tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48548093181964504242024-02-20T13:59:07.165-08:00My Byrd LifeMarriage, motherhood and miscellaneous musings.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-42710334107021205992017-03-28T08:51:00.000-07:002017-03-28T09:40:07.144-07:00Guilt Management in Motherhood<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSt_litQrFLmjrqvnX6eLVLPRMz8pGXscl2hriDQXcaZkBX4ax6jAQ0bpYqZ32u5MvRWO06xA6Nbo0_YaScdE7k8CbsAyK23CSm_31ULYdcanZPuk4-9bEGGLUyNN1KgcDC-xUcr_9naN/s1600/guilt+management.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSt_litQrFLmjrqvnX6eLVLPRMz8pGXscl2hriDQXcaZkBX4ax6jAQ0bpYqZ32u5MvRWO06xA6Nbo0_YaScdE7k8CbsAyK23CSm_31ULYdcanZPuk4-9bEGGLUyNN1KgcDC-xUcr_9naN/s320/guilt+management.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I have the privilege of reading an advanced copy of Jen Hatmaker's newest book, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mess-Moxie-Wrangling-Delight-Glorious/dp/0718031849/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490719175&sr=8-1&keywords=of+mess+and+moxie" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Of Mess and Moxie: Wrangling Delight Out of This Wild and Glorious Life</a></i> (out August 8, 2017). I read it quickly and have since been pondering some of the thoughts in various chapters. One particular quote resonated with me and has had me wrestling internally, especially lately.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In a chapter titled "Moms, We’re Fine" Jen writes:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Motherhood often feels
like a game of guilt management; sometimes the guilt is overwhelming and
debilitating, sometimes just a low simmer, but it always feels <i>right there</i>.</b></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I am in the trenches of
motherhood, parenting a 4- and 7-year-old. I do feel that there’s
always some aspect that is nagging at me trying to fill me with guilt over
something I’m not doing or am doing incorrectly. Right now my guilt centers around playing with my children. The feeling of being obligated to play with them
constantly presses on me. I read somewhere that I am not supposed to be their
constant source of entertainment, that they need to learn how to deal with
boredom on their own and I do agree with that concept. Because I don’t work outside
the home I believe that part of my job is to interact purposefully and intentionally
with my children regularly (and I bet a lot of working moms feel that they should spend some, most or all of
their non-work time connecting with their kids as well). But what exactly does that mean and look like? And what is the right balance?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Yes there are things I need to get done but how much time
should I allot for chores, play, etc and what types of play count? Is it fine to say, “I
will do X, Y or Z with you but not T?” [T for me being imaginary play. I will read
books, play board and card games, build Legos, practice sports, and hide and
seek. Playing good guys versus bad guys with the Lego men every day (and having to be the good guys ALL THE TIME) wears me out. "Mommy, pretend the bad guys are going to steal the good guys' hide out."]<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WbDVXSdEQm2oi7XmKObFXe4-trYTPjo7YJ9t9gE66zw3Au1ConHZkYx-zHzn-1nAkvMUWPbkz6r5ZrMkg6xgUsEMD248AS9RySQ2d5lBUoSRA6t8qCP26y-KsglCxYhJTlVY-3-qpanW/s1600/j+play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WbDVXSdEQm2oi7XmKObFXe4-trYTPjo7YJ9t9gE66zw3Au1ConHZkYx-zHzn-1nAkvMUWPbkz6r5ZrMkg6xgUsEMD248AS9RySQ2d5lBUoSRA6t8qCP26y-KsglCxYhJTlVY-3-qpanW/s320/j+play.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How do I say "no" to this face?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My husband and I have tried to recall our childhoods and
don’t have memories of our parents playing toys with us. I remember
playing Barbies and dolls on my own for hours. I remember playing Micromachines
and Pogs with my brother. I remember days of running around outside
with neighbors. I remember seeing my parents doing yardwork and housework. I
remember mowing the lawn with my dad on our riding mower, playing basketball as a family, family movie nights in the basement. I remember fun birthday parties. I remember my parents coming to my sporting
events, school performances and award ceremonies. I just don’t remember ever playing Barbies or “let’s pretend” with them. I still have positive memories
and feelings of my parents and childhood. I felt loved and supported.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZKjKMCpdppXq2VeFbE4annX8ReYWQNOXAGTRjMB_6VFGoV81Zf5CMz22KqZnEGmwtLlSuJwigruiZ4PLpyzF3a7dBU-k4sdKo13t6zuth4Ca5LwlG1Fz_r0pA45EvoMKlscSR0Cd6Cvp/s1600/k+play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZKjKMCpdppXq2VeFbE4annX8ReYWQNOXAGTRjMB_6VFGoV81Zf5CMz22KqZnEGmwtLlSuJwigruiZ4PLpyzF3a7dBU-k4sdKo13t6zuth4Ca5LwlG1Fz_r0pA45EvoMKlscSR0Cd6Cvp/s320/k+play.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or "no" to this one?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So is this guilt something I perceive to be a lack from
what I <i>think</i> other mothers are
probably doing? Is it a lie from Satan? Do I feel this pressure to constantly engage
from social media images? I have no idea. What I do know is that I feel
tremendous guilt if I respond “No” or “Not right now” when my son asks me in
his sweet little 4-year-old voice, “Mommy, will you play with me?” It’s a dagger to the heart to
hear that request. That request makes me feel like I’m failing because the lie
in my head tells me that he shouldn’t have to ask but that I should initiate. I
know (from experience) that kids will take as much time with you as they can
get. I cannot completely satisfy their desire for a playmate at all times. Nor
should I. Like I mentioned above, it is good for them to learn how to manage
their boredom and learn how to entertain themselves (preferably without
electronics). They have plenty of books and toys and even a dedicated playroom
where they are free to do whatever their heart desires. But all of this
knowledge still doesn’t quell the guilt.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I should probably be covering this part of my life in
prayer. Prayer for peace, for confidence and reassurance that I am parenting well and that my
kids do feel loved and supported. Prayer for wisdom to know when and how to
engage. Prayer against guilt when I don’t spend every moment of my child’s day
playing, but instead take care of some of my responsibilities.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
This is my current struggle. Anyone else here in this trench with me? Anyone have any encouragement or advice for this season of
life? I could really use a “me too” today.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-53096963250251643102017-03-01T12:08:00.000-08:002017-03-01T12:08:41.041-08:00Ash Wednesday, Lent & Preparing for Easter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"> It's Ash Wednesday, which signals thee beginning of Lent and the process of preparing ourselves for Easter where we will celebrate Christ's sacrifice for us by submitting to die on our behalf and his subsequent resurrection three days later! </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHoleLfE-HV0G15LQQQ6DWaQdj7eGqSxY-sxTlW1EtgPtz_542fxN6O8fF8_UWWLmfeZIb7gn6s3vpmeeVPyUYGiCpko-e9rScWdE3WioXSX4vznrl4VY-RbHTAl30Xh9F7fgueBf1P_2/s1600/ashwed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHoleLfE-HV0G15LQQQ6DWaQdj7eGqSxY-sxTlW1EtgPtz_542fxN6O8fF8_UWWLmfeZIb7gn6s3vpmeeVPyUYGiCpko-e9rScWdE3WioXSX4vznrl4VY-RbHTAl30Xh9F7fgueBf1P_2/s320/ashwed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> Growing up my family attended Methodist churches
until I was in high school. We participated in fasting for forty days over Lent
in imitation of Christ's forty days of fasting in the desert in preparation for
his ministry. I have one distinct memory from when I was in second grade and
gave up chocolate milk for Lent (my drink of choice at school).</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">
<br />
<span style="background: white;"> I don't have any other strong recollections until
I was in college. In my junior year I recommitted myself to Jesus (I was baptized at the end of my junior year of high school but I spent the first few years of college floundering). That spring I was leading a women's small group and suggested
that we all participate in Lent by fasting from something and helping each
other stay accountable.</span><br />
<br /><br />
<span style="background: white;"> I think most years since then I have either fasted
from something or added a practice to draw me closer to God even though I have
attended non-denominational churches (which generally don't talk about fasting during Lent).</span><br />
<br /><br />
<span style="background: white;"> In the last couple of years I have really begin to
miss the traditions of Advent at Christmas and Lent at Easter that I grew up
with. My husband also grew up Methodist so we have continued to practice them at home
together.</span><br />
<br /><br />
<span style="background: white;"> Some years it has been a real challenge,
especially the years I have fasted from dessert (I haven't done that in a while
because my daughter's birthday always falls during Lent and that seems cruel). I love chocolate and
sweets! But it has really helped me to be reminded regularly of Jesus and what he
did for me.</span><br />
<br /><br />
<span style="background: white;"> This year I struggled a bit to figure out what to
fast from. I have been feeling a little pudgy but Lent is not about losing
weight so I didn't want to stray from its purpose in remembering my need for
Jesus. I ended up choosing both a fast and an added practice. I am fasting from
all beverages except water. My added practice is to meditate on (and hopefully
memorize) a Bible verse each day. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"> I also found a local Methodist church where I could receive ashes as I begin this season of Lent. It felt a little foreign as it's been so long but I am glad I did it.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlD2W3iXTjeHTWc_EwXNZQuqTjIeWr4gIf4pTtpO5CB6OuwRVPK3088HN5YDyjunxxYiv9jT9wJAKD_UzgRu6HTxgU5KX9c2KWyqKeoUa7_0of4_ieWO_bprmNmV5OXFOKzhIeOxPut9Nn/s1600/ashes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlD2W3iXTjeHTWc_EwXNZQuqTjIeWr4gIf4pTtpO5CB6OuwRVPK3088HN5YDyjunxxYiv9jT9wJAKD_UzgRu6HTxgU5KX9c2KWyqKeoUa7_0of4_ieWO_bprmNmV5OXFOKzhIeOxPut9Nn/s320/ashes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><b><i> Do you fast from something at Lent? If so, what
has been your most challenging fast? Do you fast from the same thing every year? If not, do you
have a different way you like to prepare for Easter?</i></b></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-69338235960297615732017-01-20T04:00:00.000-08:002017-01-20T04:00:00.234-08:00My Goals for 2017 Last year I was fairly ambitious with my <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2017/01/year-end-review.html" target="_blank">goal setting</a>. I was not successful in keeping them all perfectly, but the real aim is improvement and growth. Normally I would beat myself up for failure but I have been growing in my understanding and acceptance of grace.<br />
<br />
Last year I also learned more about <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/06/trust-and-rest-current-themes-of-my-life.html" target="_blank">trusting God</a> and <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/11/learning-to-rest-in-god.html" target="_blank">the importance of rest</a>. I still struggle with choosing rest over productivity at times but I am seeing the benefits of resting and trying to rest in the knowledge that my worth and value and acceptance are not based on achievement. I have subtitled 2017: <i>The Year of Less</i>. With all of that said, this year's goal list is short.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3IvjFMgBUqOJDEBpZUPJBgF44KFoC_OjHiyvp1iWrLDCTg659F1tf1xF-QPhvfSN28XfiXWJv-se5pvZ0iw9N5nGQTfdwpWPnEnRjv-kMLj7Qiyzc5GPwWyuSq5GOzbDBBYibnLdaL6f/s1600/goals+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3IvjFMgBUqOJDEBpZUPJBgF44KFoC_OjHiyvp1iWrLDCTg659F1tf1xF-QPhvfSN28XfiXWJv-se5pvZ0iw9N5nGQTfdwpWPnEnRjv-kMLj7Qiyzc5GPwWyuSq5GOzbDBBYibnLdaL6f/s320/goals+2017.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>1. Call one family member each week.</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
For some people this is something that is a regular part of their life. That is not the case for me. My family is spread out, mostly on the western side of the country. I see some of them about once per year. My immediate family has never really been one for regular communication - we don't have a history of contacting one another unless there's something important to share. Since I've had kids, we have had a little more frequent contact, mainly Facetime/Skype so my parents can see the grandkids. But anyone with small children can tell you that not a lot of important information is able to be communicated while conversing with toddlers and preschoolers.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Aj8waa51FZ0u0ZyHX3vyzA67yKd3_-mvXrGsBp3M1No_4HSicYdS3OsZCNF4oD7CK7oMh79GuQJMtTy15IRBrqoflxiYhoHY9Re05mAidhEsdgTpWRb3FO45fRdmjZijP6P9jgAtUmNZ/s1600/facetime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Aj8waa51FZ0u0ZyHX3vyzA67yKd3_-mvXrGsBp3M1No_4HSicYdS3OsZCNF4oD7CK7oMh79GuQJMtTy15IRBrqoflxiYhoHY9Re05mAidhEsdgTpWRb3FO45fRdmjZijP6P9jgAtUmNZ/s320/facetime.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facetime with my niece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Last year I struggled a lot with loneliness and <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/01/admitting-my-need.html" target="_blank">a desire for greater community</a>. I realized that I could do something to feel more connected with my family members - more regular communication. I'm not a huge fan of talking on the phone (part introvert, part distraction from my kids), but it's the most effective option for me at this time. I would like to feel like I am more aware of what's going on with my family and hope that this will improve our intimacy and connectedness. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have thus far called a different family member each week and have enjoyed catching up. I can tell it surprised them to have me call randomly. One person was concerned that something was wrong because I was calling them (proof I should call more often). I think I will enjoy this goal very much. Even if I don't manage to connect with someone weekly, I will benefit from more regular contact however frequent it ends up being.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>2. One date night with my husband each month.</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Again, I realize that some may see this as a low bar, something they easily achieve. Once again, not for me. It's not that we struggle with wanting to spend time together away from the kids. We enjoy date nights. In the past our schedules have been too full to have time for a date. We also have to find a babysitter every time because we don't have family nearby. With finding a babysitter, our date night costs are greater than we'd like sometimes. But money should not be what keeps us from having some fun, maybe even an adventure, to keep us connected.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_HO2tBuGvAS-zAyohyphenhyphenmtWICq7_nPfSbvtMX7wHSWFOYPu39qLyuvHsE1W8izsqVUpD2pEQv05PBbH1Vqy3F_plTyQaaWZtYJgZi4SBXWdgXAixHksQp8ufXslueuzZVIXmEay8v9esP_/s1600/couple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_HO2tBuGvAS-zAyohyphenhyphenmtWICq7_nPfSbvtMX7wHSWFOYPu39qLyuvHsE1W8izsqVUpD2pEQv05PBbH1Vqy3F_plTyQaaWZtYJgZi4SBXWdgXAixHksQp8ufXslueuzZVIXmEay8v9esP_/s320/couple.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It helps that our kids are older and easy to babysit. They're practically self-sufficient. Having it as a goal will hopefully helps us to keep date night a priority in our minds. We've already had to reschedule January's date three times (once for weather, once for a change in plans, once for babysitter conflict). Not a huge deal as we haven't settled on an official plan. I am finding it humorous (and not surprising) that the first one is taking so much time and effort. The enemy enjoys trying to thwart our efforts. Knowing there are eleven other dates to plan is helping me to think of things we could do or places we could go for a different experience. It is exciting!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Additionally, we are working toward going on a couple's vacation this year. We haven't had a real vacation without the kids since before we had kids (so at least 7 years). We did have a day trip in Sedona and a couple of days in Yellowstone a few years back but I'm talking about taking a plane somewhere where we're completely out of contact for a bit. I'm definitely looking forward to this!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinr3F4ZrQmriNHtHXfu6yexpctxdYiaq8EQ53w3AMx1-512Lcy74Fdh-TCscZIbjZIzGYeSimqZoG-QecdrJ7lyJuDIcRmEyawu5nVN7BeOhwUxxJ_NzPHqz-HlO2QPuFzkH_84ebsaKQ/s1600/vacation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinr3F4ZrQmriNHtHXfu6yexpctxdYiaq8EQ53w3AMx1-512Lcy74Fdh-TCscZIbjZIzGYeSimqZoG-QecdrJ7lyJuDIcRmEyawu5nVN7BeOhwUxxJ_NzPHqz-HlO2QPuFzkH_84ebsaKQ/s320/vacation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So those are my official goals for the year. It appears the focus is on relationships. It seems like a natural segue after all of my <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/12/finding-hope-in-struggle.html" target="_blank">loneliness talk</a> last year. I felt that these goals were Spirit-led so I am excited to see what happens.<br />
<br />
I do still want to work on blogging more regularly and being present with my family at home. There are always a myriad of possible improvements in my life but I recognize that I don't have to do it all at once (or, actually, do it all period). I'm also still going to make sure reading is a regular part of my life as it's something that helps me relax and refresh but I don't have a set goal for books this year.<br />
<br />
I do also have a goal (desire) to finish my book revisions and have it available online before May. It has a deadline so it's a little different from my regular goals. We will see how that goes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpp4rr-0xQZ5HQdOaZKnp3-TOHeJeTJOB6QE_VYOTcD4TT-TbUpQ1TDIgWcj56aAwbUeIIBJkw0HeF3jRBK9285I9rfBVaxX08kTIoee8n_5IPrp33d5WBhplOB9osVTBgrxd0J2zYFDZ/s1600/bug+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpp4rr-0xQZ5HQdOaZKnp3-TOHeJeTJOB6QE_VYOTcD4TT-TbUpQ1TDIgWcj56aAwbUeIIBJkw0HeF3jRBK9285I9rfBVaxX08kTIoee8n_5IPrp33d5WBhplOB9osVTBgrxd0J2zYFDZ/s320/bug+book.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>What are your goals for 2017? Have you made so many that you feel overwhelmed before you started? Perhaps cut the goals in half (or by half)? Remember the spirit of setting goals - motivation to work on something you want to improve in your life.</i></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-79226903281220603742017-01-09T04:01:00.000-08:002017-01-09T04:01:02.421-08:00Top 5 Nonfiction Books of 2016I read so many books this year that I thought it would be fun to rank my top five of all I read this year in the two major categories: fiction and non-fiction. Check out my <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2017/01/top-5-fiction-books-of-2016.html" target="_blank">top five fiction reads</a> post as well. Below are my top five non-fiction books read in 2016.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>1. Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out and Lonely</b> by Lysa TerKeurst<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKjgyrS7XntVnvVr9rr59T2AbMNiYj8o8uoDrn1noAHi_q5gvfuDiPePqfhjzgwY5OJRSABWYdunZpc0v7p-57iZ4H41Z2ka_wAoTAI6HUDB4RS1B7ms7F1tM8kOXY_ulRR57KXypS9I6/s1600/uninvited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKjgyrS7XntVnvVr9rr59T2AbMNiYj8o8uoDrn1noAHi_q5gvfuDiPePqfhjzgwY5OJRSABWYdunZpc0v7p-57iZ4H41Z2ka_wAoTAI6HUDB4RS1B7ms7F1tM8kOXY_ulRR57KXypS9I6/s320/uninvited.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
I borrowed this book from the library and loved the book so much that I bought a copy and will be participating in a DVD study this winter with some other ladies. This book resonated so much with me and where I have been the past year. It brought some healing to my heart and helped me to see some circumstances through a new perspective. If you have ever felt left out, rejected, or set aside this book is definitely for you.<br />
<br />
Lysa TerKeurst shares her experiences of feeling lonely or left out and the things she has learned from God as she's walked through a variety of circumstances and experiences. I appreciated her candidness and the honesty of admitting that she is not completely through this struggle. Lysa encourages us to lean into God and trust that he has good plans and purposes for us. One of the things that stuck with me was to consider that when I feel set aside God might actually have me set apart instead. These pearls of wisdom helped me so much and filled me with hope and faith for my present and future.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>2. Listen, Love, Repeat: Other-Centered Living in a Self-Centered World</b> by Karen Ehman<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGn7nieHUW8N3lOPQC2steDBODo6D_xbs52sPxf3EJEm2bRj1lm4Y0F1ScSyFAkAsw1CveU0NJvvOOQXUVfa7p01b7mzvSj46UzH9l3w9EIB4F-IwifsPd4BPO8IFOYpIz1MijpS58BxIG/s1600/listen+love+repeat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGn7nieHUW8N3lOPQC2steDBODo6D_xbs52sPxf3EJEm2bRj1lm4Y0F1ScSyFAkAsw1CveU0NJvvOOQXUVfa7p01b7mzvSj46UzH9l3w9EIB4F-IwifsPd4BPO8IFOYpIz1MijpS58BxIG/s320/listen+love+repeat.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<br />
This was another book I enjoyed so much that I had to purchase a copy so that I could re-read it. I received a kindle copy for purposes of reading, reviewing and promoting the book, but this was one I wanted to be able to highlight and pick up to re-read various sections as needed. The subtitle was what really got my attention. I hadn't read anything by Karen Ehman but, after reading this book, that will change.<br />
<br />
Karen Ehman reminds us that part of our calling as Christians is to love others. In <i>Listen, Love, Repeat</i> she gives us advice and examples of how to love others well. She talks about truly listening to others and hearing the "heartdrops". The book really inspired me to find ways to love and serve others. I think it would challenge and inspire you as well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>3. The Nesting Place: It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful</b> by Myquillyn Smith<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnM5knDLwolizOKqVruiA25sJheb5cAXbAWNi-MA4qS8X7Q83DPV6SlIw3lLuRzoDs63gnLdh_DpRfk8Rk-RNGnDpQ3w_Cq57ED7K4q1v0p_fA_Rm_YF17xsJT2F-tHG3JtgS7FleBTOsT/s1600/the+nesting+place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnM5knDLwolizOKqVruiA25sJheb5cAXbAWNi-MA4qS8X7Q83DPV6SlIw3lLuRzoDs63gnLdh_DpRfk8Rk-RNGnDpQ3w_Cq57ED7K4q1v0p_fA_Rm_YF17xsJT2F-tHG3JtgS7FleBTOsT/s320/the+nesting+place.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
I heard about this book from Jen Hatmaker on her Instagram account. Jen showed a picture of something Myquillyn had made in her house and she copied for her writing office. It was a beautiful book page wreath and I was intrigued. I checked the book out of my library and LOVED it.<br />
<br />
Myquillyn Smith does an excellent job of making the average person feel that she can have a beautiful home regardless of her decorating skills. She reminds us that beautiful is not synonymous with perfect. Perfect should not be our goal (nor is it particularly possible if you have kids or want to enjoy living in your home). But making it a home filled with things that you love, bring you joy and help you feel relaxed and at home will do the same for those who visit as well.<br />
<br />
If you struggle with not wanting to do something because it might not be perfect, this is the book for you. Myquillyn encourages us to just try something little like painting a bathroom or a $10 dresser you found at Goodwill and see what you think. If you don't like it, you can repaint and try again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>4. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: It's Impossible to Be Spiritually Mature While Remaining Emotionally Immature</b> by Peter Scazzero<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGr8vUB030qA7qhi46VP8_SMlcv-pkuLjhwXr-ECrsdAyvZ2yKgAoIndSCns241FaoeuU6fqC6MJPMSJiG2he7N-gEjW5Rc-prKtjs8_RH1xbjdUj_qhiyM8JolD5gtwaX_K5_-OuWJxjf/s1600/emotionally+healthy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGr8vUB030qA7qhi46VP8_SMlcv-pkuLjhwXr-ECrsdAyvZ2yKgAoIndSCns241FaoeuU6fqC6MJPMSJiG2he7N-gEjW5Rc-prKtjs8_RH1xbjdUj_qhiyM8JolD5gtwaX_K5_-OuWJxjf/s320/emotionally+healthy.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cantarell";"> I heard about this book on an episode of </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Cantarell;"><a href="http://jamieivey.com/category/podcast-2" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Happy Hour by Jamie Ivey</a> </i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cantarell";">podcast. Her guest said that this was a book she was recommending everyone to read. I love Christian non-fiction book so I added it to my to-read list. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cantarell";"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cantarell";"> <i>Emotionally Healthy Spirituality</i> is so good! It is open, honest and encouraging. It has practical advice on how to grow in your emotional health including prompts to help you see where you are on your journey and exercises to practice. It is a wonderful book that I highlighted extensively and will be referencing again. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cantarell";"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cantarell";"> The book reminds us that emotions are not our enemy. It is true that we should not let them rule, but they are excellent indicators that something is not right and needs to be addressed. I appreciated Peter Scazzero's vulnerability in sharing examples of his own journey toward emotionally healthy spirituality. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>5. Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World: How One Family Learned That Saying No Can Lead to Life's Biggest Yes</b> by Kristen Welch<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGJyo1YEPBfAv2S5BuJaPpDZWSWsXgMts03keFJnPvd5ay-xcZc9cenF8Hhx6iHbzRo_gSWBM_2GNh5mvgYgdWSjqQUcAJuvcO5QyGI5Cnw6-Iph9jk5y7yjlehkbZ01SQyk7MZbZgj-O/s1600/raising+grateful+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGJyo1YEPBfAv2S5BuJaPpDZWSWsXgMts03keFJnPvd5ay-xcZc9cenF8Hhx6iHbzRo_gSWBM_2GNh5mvgYgdWSjqQUcAJuvcO5QyGI5Cnw6-Iph9jk5y7yjlehkbZ01SQyk7MZbZgj-O/s320/raising+grateful+kids.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
This was the first book I finished in 2016 so some of the details are a bit fuzzy a year later. However I remember being very encouraged as a mother and person after finishing this book.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cantarell";"> As a parent I know that I have plenty of room to grow. Let's face it, it's a learn-as-you-go, trial and error kind of job (shhh, don't tell my kids!). I welcome resources that can help me reach my parenting goals (raising responsible kids who love Jesus and serve others). </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cantarell";">The end of each chapter in this book has a "take away" section that is divided by age range for kids so you can implement any valuable suggestions in an age appropriate manner (so helpful!).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell";"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cantarell";">In addition to being encouraged that it is possible to teach our children gratitude and contentment I was also reminded that I am not responsible for my children's entertainment every waking hour of the day (which, as a SAHM, I sometimes feel like that's part of the job description and can feel guilty about trying to get housework or errands done instead of playing with my kids non-stop).</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cantarell";"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cantarell";"> If you are a parent and you desire for your children to love Jesus and others and grow into people who are considerate of others and actively serve others, this will help you to introduce them to service and be encouraged in your endeavors to raise kind, considerate, generous, loving people.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cantarell";"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cantarell";"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cantarell";"><b><i>I read so many wonderful non-fiction books in 2016 it was very challenging choosing a top five. I look forward to discovering more fantastic books in 2017. Have you read any of these the books on the list? Have any recommendations that you think might make my 2017 top five? If you are more of a fiction person, check out <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2017/01/top-5-fiction-books-of-2016.html" target="_blank">my favorites from 2016</a>.</i></b></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-2320936542606552742017-01-09T04:00:00.000-08:002017-01-09T04:00:07.488-08:00Top 5 Fiction Books of 2016I read so many books this year that I thought it would be fun to rank my top five of all I read this year in the two major categories: fiction and non-fiction. Check out my<a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2017/01/top-5-nonfiction-books-of-2016.html" target="_blank"> top five non-fiction reads</a> post as well. Below are my favorite fiction reads in 2016.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>1. Big Little Lies</b> by Liane Moriarty<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ou4cXPFzGZvLYL1y7aSEvNw0lVikxoD7T_EvKHpEoWCfLf_Fvxj3z2zjdfuPUhRq0uLqdC4vLS68Rb7RhUNUZ0u3Efdq2__nvfHc9ART0lfeWjDdOZPcdb-ldFaeqBE8hhiy6lO3W2Fk/s1600/big+little+lies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ou4cXPFzGZvLYL1y7aSEvNw0lVikxoD7T_EvKHpEoWCfLf_Fvxj3z2zjdfuPUhRq0uLqdC4vLS68Rb7RhUNUZ0u3Efdq2__nvfHc9ART0lfeWjDdOZPcdb-ldFaeqBE8hhiy6lO3W2Fk/s320/big+little+lies.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I have read five of Liane Moriarty's books and this one has been my favorite of them all (I haven't read <i>The Last Anniversary </i>or <i>Truly Madly Guilty</i> yet but I plan to). They have all been very engaging.<br />
<br />
In <i>Big Little Lies</i> we learn that there has someone has been killed and there is an investigation and lots of speculation from parents of an elementary school. The book then rewinds six months and introduces us to the three main women in the book. We learn about their friendship, their lives and their secrets.<br />
<br />
As I read the book I was constantly guessing who might have died and who the murder might have been. I became so enamored with the characters that I hoped none of them was the victim nor the culprit. I was surprised by the actual sequence of events which I appreciated as the reader. It was quite an enjoyable ride that I think others would enjoy taking as well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>2. The Rosie Project</b> by Graeme Simsion<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyroZkcsFOOfGm1gKvVFeNucmmkyEa4Smbj63SjfOVJPFulxzi29-MQacjvFA7xFMwOYXvC-aw1ZRWewYLPotqTndtNTINkK2DMnBdK9Y_s7q6N8O1MTI8f-cHaWQ9Ezc5n84MPdRnKxdg/s1600/the+rosie+project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyroZkcsFOOfGm1gKvVFeNucmmkyEa4Smbj63SjfOVJPFulxzi29-MQacjvFA7xFMwOYXvC-aw1ZRWewYLPotqTndtNTINkK2DMnBdK9Y_s7q6N8O1MTI8f-cHaWQ9Ezc5n84MPdRnKxdg/s320/the+rosie+project.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't remember how I heard about this book. I feel like I had heard that it was a book about a character similar to Sheldon Cooper from <i>The Big Bang Theory</i>, which is a show I thoroughly enjoy.<br />
<br />
In <i>The Rosie Project</i>, we meet Don Tillman, a geneticist at a local university who has decided that he would like to try to find a wife. He creates a lengthy questionnaire to find the perfect candidate for "The Wife Project" and enlists the help of his good friend, and fellow university professor, Gene in reading the questionnaires and selecting women. Gene lets him know that he is sending a woman to his office indicating that she is a candidate for his wife project.<br />
<br />
Don soon learns that she is not a seemingly suitable candidate but she asks for help in locating her biological father and he agrees. He soon begins to enjoy his time with Rosie even though she knocks his seemingly perfect and scheduled life completely out of whack. We see Don wrestle with what he really wants or needs in his life and try to figure out if he can truly understand and experience love. If you like <i>The Big Bang Theory</i>, I think you would enjoy this book.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>3. At Home in Mitford</b> by Jan Karon<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYE8ejbAFhxPYOGj0IBJ21JV6iuTMf48mzsCl_4Pjhwah6jaQ0sEwEp80BynwJjTEDXBf8AY_TiZvEWbef4kV_0wn6xGoeW4RL5tk7fTIw2Bk0vskqR_YZi4BRkO1wweAGJmkc6ciWIj1/s1600/mitford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYE8ejbAFhxPYOGj0IBJ21JV6iuTMf48mzsCl_4Pjhwah6jaQ0sEwEp80BynwJjTEDXBf8AY_TiZvEWbef4kV_0wn6xGoeW4RL5tk7fTIw2Bk0vskqR_YZi4BRkO1wweAGJmkc6ciWIj1/s320/mitford.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<br />
I was introduced to this series (and have now read three of the thirteen books) by a good friend. The book takes place in a small town called Mitford, NC and follows Episcopalian priest Tim Kavanaugh through his everyday life - his experiences with the people and parishioners in this quaint mountain town.<br />
<br />
All of the characters are endearing and I was drawn into their lives and the town's happenings. I was especially intrigued when Father Tim received a new neighbor who was quirky, spontaneous and whom he found attractive. Can a 50-something bachelor change his routine and life to allow another soul entrance and home? This question won't be completely answered in the first book, but, if you're like me, you'll soon be entrenched in finding out what continues to happen in this little town of Mitford.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>4. The Girl in the Spider's Web</b> by David Lagercrantz<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4aI4v4ewjBqQ3UQQIEk9su_Jc-Tv3lrzWjPG0TmxJbiYBbvWe8qt5vWwAOAW437G4OSHxN7c0pqo3EOPYK6aOM73o29WJ4mU5HlvYKSOS2GOyDivQwxIUhF86EW4OGhRoZiLdfWjRNzx/s1600/the+girl+in+the+spiders+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4aI4v4ewjBqQ3UQQIEk9su_Jc-Tv3lrzWjPG0TmxJbiYBbvWe8qt5vWwAOAW437G4OSHxN7c0pqo3EOPYK6aOM73o29WJ4mU5HlvYKSOS2GOyDivQwxIUhF86EW4OGhRoZiLdfWjRNzx/s320/the+girl+in+the+spiders+web.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the fourth book in Stieg Larsson's series that started with <i>The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo</i>. I really enjoyed reading all of those books - they were fast paced and action-packed. I was curious to see how the series continued with a new author. I was not disappointed.<br />
<br />
In this one, a well-known computer programmer who mysteriously left his company in California and returned to Sweden contacts Mikael Blomkvist and asks to meet him so that he can share some information he received from a young female hacker. Mikael is intrigued because he thinks Lisbeth Salander might be involved. As he reaches the contact's house, an assassin emerges having just killed the person in question. The only witness is the victim's autistic son. Mikael begins looking into the events, eliciting Lisbeth's assistance.<br />
<br />
Who is behind the murder? What was the information important enough to kill and be killed for? What is Lisbeth's role in everything? If you enjoyed the previous ones, as I did, you will also enjoy this thrill ride with lots of twists and turns.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>5. Inferno</b> by Dan Brown<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSV4GdoAl4giazgAodm1H-Ibv6imBDCZsKxXzDHZEvKdaezH5fcCSIHeTtnIy4lLtf9kgcWJmonjtZ1Ch9xkKvfr8YKtXSVuYEgB9LCB1Mj0i5fblMY3Bp-gy8Wvm1dUsanrNBUJZBUmBP/s1600/inferno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSV4GdoAl4giazgAodm1H-Ibv6imBDCZsKxXzDHZEvKdaezH5fcCSIHeTtnIy4lLtf9kgcWJmonjtZ1Ch9xkKvfr8YKtXSVuYEgB9LCB1Mj0i5fblMY3Bp-gy8Wvm1dUsanrNBUJZBUmBP/s320/inferno.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the fourth book in the Robert Langdon series. I did not read the third book but I don't seem to have missed any vital information needed for this one. It was another face-paced adventure through several European countries (I always enjoy the history, architectural and art information each book contains), mainly Italy.<br />
<br />
When the story begins Robert wakes up in a hospital with a head wound and no memory of the last few days. He believes he was shot in the head. As he's trying to gain his bearings, an assassin comes after him in the hospital and one of the doctor's assisting him helps him escape. When they are briefly safely in the doctor's apartment, she shares with him what she knows and they discover an object he was hiding in his coat. It becomes a clue they follow to try to gain back his memory and discover what is so threatening that his life is in danger. He fears he is responsible for something terrible because he can only remember mumbling "I'm sorry".<br />
<br />
It was a fast-paced, exciting ride. There were unexpected revelations and discoveries throughout the story. I rooted for Lagndon and his partner, Doctor Sienna Brooks to discover and thwart the threat. If you have enjoyed Dan Brown's other Robert Langdon novels, this one won't disappoint.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>These were my five favorite fiction reads from last year. What is one you read that you would recommend? Have you read any of the above? If so, please share your thoughts with me as well. To see my favorite non-fiction books of 2016, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2017/01/top-5-nonfiction-books-of-2016.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.</i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-90280482141795451952017-01-05T04:00:00.000-08:002017-01-05T04:00:33.783-08:00No More Faking Fine I had the privilege of receiving an Advance Reading Copy of the book <i>No More Faking Fine: Ending the Pretending</i> by Esther Fleece. The title is what intrigued me as I often feel like I am unable to be real about struggles or tough times in my life. I know that we need to be wise about who we share deeper things with but sometimes I get a little frustrated by the shallowness of many church relationships and interactions. I wondered if this book would talk about being more real in interpersonal relationships.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYz10IZghKjNdPsd1ZPdnYXIgRb9ML20GEPKmxxTU1HwnJvBZuWjM-lxUekXuPjLjeoSgZuWA0Y78-Uu0YoZTYjeNZtm6reuNhfsq5AK5oWy0WX3GelTcO8URY7Wc4KGgF6R430BnucGA/s1600/faking+fine+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYz10IZghKjNdPsd1ZPdnYXIgRb9ML20GEPKmxxTU1HwnJvBZuWjM-lxUekXuPjLjeoSgZuWA0Y78-Uu0YoZTYjeNZtm6reuNhfsq5AK5oWy0WX3GelTcO8URY7Wc4KGgF6R430BnucGA/s320/faking+fine+quote.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Created by Katie Gibson</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the book Esther Fleece introduces us to the practice of lament, a prayer to God "giving voice to the hurt, frustration, and disappointment you've kept inside and silenced for too long." I was definitely intrigued to learn more about what it means to lament and the promise of increased intimacy with God and others. I really enjoyed the book and would like to share some of my favorite quotes.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>God meets us where we are at and not where we pretend to be.</b></blockquote>
I like this quote for several reasons. We are reminded that we do not have to clean ourselves up or reach a certain level of righteousness before God will accept us. God just wants our heart, regardless of its condition. He is the one that will work in us to make us more holy. This quote also reminds me that we can't hide anything from God. He sees the inner workings of our bodies. He knows all of our thoughts. There's no point pretending we're fine with God because he sees right through our pretenses. We are, therefore, free to be real and honest, even when it's raw and ugly.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>What a kind God we have, who has warned us that pain in this life <i>will</i> come and has given us a language to relate to Him in the midst of it...When we begin to understand God as a God who weeps, we begin to see Him as someone safe to run to in the midst of our pain.</b></blockquote>
It is actually comforting to be assured that pain is inevitable. We should not be surprised when hurts or challenges come. This world is broken and pain is one of the results of that. However, we can be confident in knowing that we can bring our hurts and struggles and negative emotions to him. He will not reject us or be offended. He loves us and wants us to bring him our pain so that he can provide healing.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>We are going to have to stop comparing our pain to others and learn instead to take our pain directly to God, or we simply won't get anywhere..."It's not really a big deal" are words we will never hear out of the mouth of God.</b></blockquote>
I know I am guilty of sometimes thinking that I have no right to be sad or complain because there are many people that have it worse than I do. <i>There are probably people who would love to have my "problems"</i> is sometimes the track in my head. But I was reminded that just because it might be small, it still exists and it still matters to God. He can heal things big and small. He just wants us to turn to him and come to the one who can comfort and heal.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITERwGFOWjindI1niGFo5QWJM1wEuGHdKTjXXCR1PMfXOmalymYZk7Yb0veH5zxsWdGrxmdn4gEaWGfyVukJLb5lU68rFs-wEpGA_9demrrFSPszauFhhquVajnjYe72OFXp5BopQb8iG/s1600/lament+freely.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITERwGFOWjindI1niGFo5QWJM1wEuGHdKTjXXCR1PMfXOmalymYZk7Yb0veH5zxsWdGrxmdn4gEaWGfyVukJLb5lU68rFs-wEpGA_9demrrFSPszauFhhquVajnjYe72OFXp5BopQb8iG/s320/lament+freely.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Without the ability to fully lament, I also had no ability to fully forgive. And without forgiveness, I had no option but to live within my own vicious cycle of pain and bitterness.</b></blockquote>
I like this reminder that we have to acknowledge our hurts and process them in order to be able to move into forgiveness. Many of us try to sweep things under the rug and avoid really looking at them and feeling our emotions because we don't want to deal with the pain. But ignoring it just allows the hurt to fester and bitterness to grow. Yes, the process of lament might be painful, but it's better than continuing to ignore an open wound.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>I believe forgiveness to be just as much an act of God as His grace is. We need God's help to forgive, and we need a heavenly perspective to shift our focus off us and back on to God and His help.</b> </blockquote>
I really loved the truth in this. I do often struggle with wanting to forgive but not really feeling like I am able. And here I am reminded that I am not supposed to try to do it alone, that it requires his help for true forgiveness. It comforts me to know that it's a partnership with God.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>It takes courage to rest when the world sees productivity, full-throttle hustling, and chasing big dreams as things of ultimate value. It takes emotional and spiritual maturity to choose to opt out of these things temporarily and take care of your soul.</b> </blockquote>
I struggled a lot last year with learning to rest. I always felt so unproductive and lazy. I am slowly learning that rest is necessary and can actually accomplish a lot of important stuff if I will trust God and his purposes. I am continuing to work on being wise with my time and activities this year. I have half-jokingly titled 2017 "The Year of Less".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TBBM_noiIP8hx3Twf5bV6jY2LgaUwSslfsecds-6MZtRmEOpSbdzbsDcTfbhSByEZRu7iPz_I0vnrdijbweyIgDZS1hE5k2kqLMof06tIixJPptqYaAP5MSFjBhedTCb3QNJ7fW7Xlga/s1600/no+more+faking+fine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TBBM_noiIP8hx3Twf5bV6jY2LgaUwSslfsecds-6MZtRmEOpSbdzbsDcTfbhSByEZRu7iPz_I0vnrdijbweyIgDZS1hE5k2kqLMof06tIixJPptqYaAP5MSFjBhedTCb3QNJ7fW7Xlga/s320/no+more+faking+fine.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
These were some of my favorite quotes from the book. It's official release date is this coming Tuesday, January 10th. If you <a href="http://estherfleece.com/book/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pre-order</a> it before then, there are a bunch of <a href="http://estherfleece.com/book/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">extra freebies</a> for you. I would recommend making this part of your reading list for 2017!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-91455336112579958442017-01-03T04:54:00.001-08:002017-01-03T04:54:29.498-08:00The Word of the Year The beginning of a new year is often a flurry of activity for many people: resolutions and goals, reflecting on the past year, planning out the year ahead. In the past several years I have become aware of a large segment of people having a word of the year - a word that tells what they hope the year will bring, perhaps something to remind them of their focus and goals. It seems to have brought meaning to a lot of people.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSwE2zWq8r_Z3t1cL51E2EYkbn5pdoXFz0GGJWjwjIV_sUlscZk63AmCS4_X7oLmDwJY0S89rQyu3TmbPaqLyHWdYru2DnnuoYIYU0BuToKncMG7xD7dZV-S-jaqn1PtYsYLTgaQoP-Bq/s1600/word+of+the+year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSwE2zWq8r_Z3t1cL51E2EYkbn5pdoXFz0GGJWjwjIV_sUlscZk63AmCS4_X7oLmDwJY0S89rQyu3TmbPaqLyHWdYru2DnnuoYIYU0BuToKncMG7xD7dZV-S-jaqn1PtYsYLTgaQoP-Bq/s320/word+of+the+year.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This year I thought it would be neat to have a word and see how it applies to my life throughout the year. Last year I felt God was asking me to TRUST and REST and so I was learning to live in those two words, though it wasn't something I set about working on.<br />
<br />
I don't really know how most people choose a word. I pondered something that would encompass an area I desired to grow in. At first I thought BELOVED would be good so that I could learn to be secure in the identity I have in Christ. I was praying about it in the early hours of the new year as I was trying to fall asleep. The word TRUTH stood out in my mind. It doesn't seem like a typical word - there's no real action to be taken (like COURAGE or BRAVE or UNSTOPPABLE). It seems kind of "eh". So I prayed <i>God, is this what you'd like me to focus on this year? Is this my focus for the year - truth?</i> And I think it is.<br />
<br />
I am quickly warming up to the word TRUTH. I am looking forward to studying the word, mainly in scripture. I know that God's word is truth. Jesus says that he is the truth. I am looking forward to really digging into truth. I know our society likes to say that truth is relative, that there is no absolute truth, that each person makes their own truth. I don't really agree with that so I am excited to set down some truth for me to anchor myself to and have firm footing.<br />
<br />
In addition to studying TRUTH in scripture, I think I am also supposed to work on speaking TRUTH (in love, of course). I have been a people pleaser for years, the underlying fear being rejection. I have been learning that I have an everlasting love in Christ so I do not need to fear being rejected by people. I will always be loved and accepted and valued in Jesus. So I would like to be more true to myself - honest about my thoughts, likes, dislikes, desires. I don't want to temper enthusiasm for fear of the buzz kills out there. I want to be able to express joy and disappointment and anticipation and not worry about what others may think or say.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1fGb_BqzZNqq27dTR-9ELtKdqum7q4PFL4VNqf3e6dbq9Mhgw38-6pMfhR7FqTzCeuulyh-2zmOtXvL2G20GzlIX1SewEL-1YehUbSp5PNYIx2eq8jz5iqArnnWV4xo8Hh0AGS3_L0Da/s1600/truth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1fGb_BqzZNqq27dTR-9ELtKdqum7q4PFL4VNqf3e6dbq9Mhgw38-6pMfhR7FqTzCeuulyh-2zmOtXvL2G20GzlIX1SewEL-1YehUbSp5PNYIx2eq8jz5iqArnnWV4xo8Hh0AGS3_L0Da/s320/truth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I am excited for the year ahead and excited to see what is in store. I know many people also choose a Bible verse for their year. I wonder if it's related to their word. It's probably a hope or reminder as well. I would like to do this, but I think I will wait for one to emerge from my study of truth in scripture.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Do you have a special word or verse for 2017? I'd love to hear what it is!</i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-20551225898593655542017-01-01T04:30:00.000-08:002017-01-01T04:30:05.629-08:00Year-End ReviewWe have arrived at the end of 2016! I have worked on specific goals all year and am excited to have the ability to make new goals for the coming year. If you want to read about previous months' successes and failures, click the appropriate month: <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/02/first-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">January</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/03/second-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">February</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/04/third-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">March</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/05/fourth-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">April</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/06/may-book-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">May</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/07/june-book-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">June</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/08/seventh-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">July</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/09/august-goal-review.html" target="_blank">August</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/10/september-goal-review.html" target="_blank">September</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/11/october-goal-review.html" target="_blank">October</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/12/november-goal-review.html" target="_blank">November</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>1. One arts and crafts time with the kids each month</b><br />
<b><br /></b> December always seems to be a crafty month for me because of the Christmas holiday. I joked with a friend on November 30th that my daughter would ask to do a craft for 80% of the month of December. Three days in and we were sitting at 100%. The first day we did not do a craft because I could not think of anything at all. The second day I remembered that her great-grandmother had sent her home from Thanksgiving with a beaded wreath ornament craft so the three of us completed that one. On day three I got her set up to make a bracelet or necklace with another kit her great-grandmother had given her as an early Christmas present. She ended up making a bracelet for her best friend (I love that most of her crafts and projects become gifts to others. They other day she took a cardboard box out of the recycling bin and turned it into a guitar of sorts and gave it to her brother.).<br />
Jackson wanted something to do as well so I gave him paper, markers and stamps and he went to town making a picture of bad guys (his current passion). The requests slowed down after that but we still managed to get in quite a few artsy, crafty, and/or baking activities to celebrate the holiday season.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSch4FnG56sikkoqBN7pfkpkvRULVVE-j6P9yU318hAWeqSeNDteiNHA4uF7t51pAfOlPsJAG2kOHW6PWSOMxIYNkEbY4EvW9_j7yaDIn-j9p4kKDwFpN9y3bz7ohFcPVD2AzRe2GL66h/s1600/wreaths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSch4FnG56sikkoqBN7pfkpkvRULVVE-j6P9yU318hAWeqSeNDteiNHA4uF7t51pAfOlPsJAG2kOHW6PWSOMxIYNkEbY4EvW9_j7yaDIn-j9p4kKDwFpN9y3bz7ohFcPVD2AzRe2GL66h/s320/wreaths.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCKClWW4eSeIDgq0V7l_BX7OkILlL0L47A4IQLxVKhUgQ7dR8gF0NfpUs8yWTk6OnsmtJ1rQXmXtwd3JbwGxz3lTWrbWncF-mO7dKD2wmTBwu9-3FryYFI-rJcllKXgi1Nj4HOjBQNAxb/s1600/jart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCKClWW4eSeIDgq0V7l_BX7OkILlL0L47A4IQLxVKhUgQ7dR8gF0NfpUs8yWTk6OnsmtJ1rQXmXtwd3JbwGxz3lTWrbWncF-mO7dKD2wmTBwu9-3FryYFI-rJcllKXgi1Nj4HOjBQNAxb/s320/jart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoqun6NkCMSwwzQYMVZYufoeHSbbWV5YllCEC1E6RD_uSgP6RKzkiG8-qDm4NzABr1RbOTG4mYG8HO58qSx_Z6odFVyYgGX6mlaKDKir4r1tw9Gduq38ZSYCFa5kpro_7j9LDPkHEyqNo/s1600/kbracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoqun6NkCMSwwzQYMVZYufoeHSbbWV5YllCEC1E6RD_uSgP6RKzkiG8-qDm4NzABr1RbOTG4mYG8HO58qSx_Z6odFVyYgGX6mlaKDKir4r1tw9Gduq38ZSYCFa5kpro_7j9LDPkHEyqNo/s320/kbracelet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We made candy cane reindeer for the kids to give away to their friends. It was my planned craft for December and the kids were excited about it. They, of course, wanted to eat them (my husband has gotten them addicted to candy canes) but they gave most of them away to friends.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbsLgPibR0f7h0eujqOd9gliKgJS5GDzaezbsdQPaJKmVgT7-gQe8q0g_NTo4EhyjqHEkzWrZq720uuSKvOFwZvOzufceiqPoWUjHrRl3FmwHDPbafY2bbUoUPoCvi6hLmFcrCQQV7z6D/s1600/candycanes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbsLgPibR0f7h0eujqOd9gliKgJS5GDzaezbsdQPaJKmVgT7-gQe8q0g_NTo4EhyjqHEkzWrZq720uuSKvOFwZvOzufceiqPoWUjHrRl3FmwHDPbafY2bbUoUPoCvi6hLmFcrCQQV7z6D/s320/candycanes.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlZYSchZ5oTUnA-dQsyC4xXljlfUZhgwwuJSRQQQ3cW165La_qgcs8XT1KxhoaaTAIIC59V-L1jZvMdrPSZyLbP_yf9bDNGX7sSX67_TUUo4R-edXbpbT4ElJO90v-yBdmPlWINDnYHvr/s1600/reindeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlZYSchZ5oTUnA-dQsyC4xXljlfUZhgwwuJSRQQQ3cW165La_qgcs8XT1KxhoaaTAIIC59V-L1jZvMdrPSZyLbP_yf9bDNGX7sSX67_TUUo4R-edXbpbT4ElJO90v-yBdmPlWINDnYHvr/s320/reindeer.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kaitlyn asked to decorate my chalkboard for Christmas. I agreed and Jackson even got in on the action. It was supposed to be Christmas-themed but, of course, Jackson drew a T. Rex (the long thing starting from the lower left corner).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEZToMd-W9KdJJCUHTqM0-8hWv5c0ZWRrax1TIMKkIsi4OZ9YVYHHSDWpVCGgTsm8TlkF906y70riHDaHRitmgX5ZD68Py4BhxV2jb2eLZxiwjGd4fJGhZLPmF6S4FB0PXBzikabcmZTJ/s1600/chalkboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEZToMd-W9KdJJCUHTqM0-8hWv5c0ZWRrax1TIMKkIsi4OZ9YVYHHSDWpVCGgTsm8TlkF906y70riHDaHRitmgX5ZD68Py4BhxV2jb2eLZxiwjGd4fJGhZLPmF6S4FB0PXBzikabcmZTJ/s320/chalkboard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSl37I60DDuNnZuMqx-Y15IHj7GJ-8IsVe1hviWO7NGJKrCJIbMk-YmovrDwZGZFqnbycmiC7a7Yp16kcujKS__QUBKJphA_to6ToA7LNrHQg7zB-kSsmEyiQHHH_VPRSRKPDLlLh6YL0/s1600/chalkboard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSl37I60DDuNnZuMqx-Y15IHj7GJ-8IsVe1hviWO7NGJKrCJIbMk-YmovrDwZGZFqnbycmiC7a7Yp16kcujKS__QUBKJphA_to6ToA7LNrHQg7zB-kSsmEyiQHHH_VPRSRKPDLlLh6YL0/s320/chalkboard2.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
We invited friends over to decorate sugar cookies. I definitely consider that an art activity as they are allowed to be as creative as they want to be with them. I also enjoy decorating the cookies and seeing what I can come up with. Along with those we made a variety of other cookies and even rice krispy trees which was fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwccAchXlpK0hd1G7GHaFem_gyyJJ6HaCHeRhE58hilGgKT0u4_5tJzKE11XhLdL41tmjSGUvLNVwTan-8ojxOj28lCXWrLOYVE8jbo0TIop_HnRJPVFWhO8fbiLlINoV9CoAT8y8LKLp/s1600/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwccAchXlpK0hd1G7GHaFem_gyyJJ6HaCHeRhE58hilGgKT0u4_5tJzKE11XhLdL41tmjSGUvLNVwTan-8ojxOj28lCXWrLOYVE8jbo0TIop_HnRJPVFWhO8fbiLlINoV9CoAT8y8LKLp/s320/cookies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnj94_0zUA429cb2yUPL23E9z9w-ecuEaP6dDj67uqalxY_wb8Lhz_Z1r9birj6cZHmW2P3ho6XtrBdzL78b_mlOLCjerCcLsQd-wQv19LCJnt8LKJDO7lk9X53mHKZISEPJPZ0cQb_Va/s1600/allcookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnj94_0zUA429cb2yUPL23E9z9w-ecuEaP6dDj67uqalxY_wb8Lhz_Z1r9birj6cZHmW2P3ho6XtrBdzL78b_mlOLCjerCcLsQd-wQv19LCJnt8LKJDO7lk9X53mHKZISEPJPZ0cQb_Va/s320/allcookies.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><b> </b>A friend gave us a kit to make origami star ornaments and I helped Kaitlyn with those. They were a lot like the paper stars we made in November.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVNTV6vN3HT3s5QyBjBUnzKDo0vdy3sFCS9wRMI33arNrWCS54lKZilIO_R5BdgjMPb3NP3F4sXwa385KTBdJeeqx1BqkYGzwiULQodilKONYAnF2W0hLV4Hk1uFC00BUdkWEuhFxUiUR/s1600/starcraft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVNTV6vN3HT3s5QyBjBUnzKDo0vdy3sFCS9wRMI33arNrWCS54lKZilIO_R5BdgjMPb3NP3F4sXwa385KTBdJeeqx1BqkYGzwiULQodilKONYAnF2W0hLV4Hk1uFC00BUdkWEuhFxUiUR/s320/starcraft.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<br />
Another friend asked if I would bring a craft for our kids to do together because one of hers is like Kaitlyn in that he would do crafts all day if allowed and she is like me in the craftiness department. I tried out a dyed snowflake craft with Kaitlyn to make sure it would work and then took all of the supplies over to her house. Kaitlyn and my friend's son were the only kids that wanted to participate in the craft and they were so gung ho, making five or more snowflakes apiece. Definitely a success!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb81VM6zHjdBR9x5SXgaLDlJZgClmoCGEG1_0J59sowX5YbospenfkbLYrungOyQPAdD99j6a7ixzdzJwmvwuQONm5_eLlPyL-67U3yvIXMGGN4OEcB_G3LWoLeH7mvYrJiIgQVSUiu75C/s1600/snowflakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb81VM6zHjdBR9x5SXgaLDlJZgClmoCGEG1_0J59sowX5YbospenfkbLYrungOyQPAdD99j6a7ixzdzJwmvwuQONm5_eLlPyL-67U3yvIXMGGN4OEcB_G3LWoLeH7mvYrJiIgQVSUiu75C/s320/snowflakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b> </b>I am glad that I made this one my goals for the year. It helped me to spend more quality time with my daughter. Now that she's in school and participating in various activities, it's nice to have some fun one-on-one time instead of just doing homework, practicing piano or driving to dance class. She is a creative person and this definitely tapped into an interest that I want her to develop even though I don't share it.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>2. Blog at least twice per month</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b> </b>The beginning of this month I continued to <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/12/wrestling-with-loneliness.html" target="_blank">wrestle with my feelings of loneliness</a>. After writing about my feelings, I had a few conversations with others that helped get me in a more positive mindset so that I could see <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/12/finding-hope-in-struggle.html" target="_blank">my blessings</a> and choose to focus on those. God is really working in my emotions and thought life. I am excited to see how he continues to grow and change me as I seek him more. I also wrote some thoughts about a book I had the privilege to <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/12/nothing-to-prove.html" target="_blank">read and review</a> before it's official release in January.<br />
<br />
I am also glad that I worked on writing this year. It is a passion of mine and something I want to be more consistent in. Setting the goal helped me to be more purposeful and gave me a chance to explore various topics. I learned more about creating graphics (when I realized that you have to be careful about using others' photos without expressed permission). I hope that I can continue to grow in consistency and skill.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>3. Grow in gratitude, contentment and generosity</b><br />
<b><br /></b> All three of these attributes are related. As I express gratitude for the good things in my life I grow in contentment of where I am and what I have. This contentment and gratitude combined gives me a desire to serve and give to others out of my blessings. December with it's season of love, joy and hope tends to increase the desire to bless others in meaningful ways.<br />
<br />
Continuing to express my gratitude in written form has benefited me. Writing is always a great way for me to really understand my thoughts and feelings. Journaling the things I am grateful for gives me a positive outlook on my life and God's love for me. I plan to continue with this practice of Immanual Journaling.<br />
<br />
Last month I admitted that I was struggling to feel contentment in my relationships. God has given me insight as I've wrestled with my feelings and I am feeling more appreciative of what relationships I do have as well as considering what my life might look like if God did give me what I think I want. I pictured a busier, more stressful social life with less time to continue to deepen the good relationships I currently have. My trust in God's plans and timing has increased which has helped me to feel more content in where I am and what I have.<br />
<br />
There were many opportunities to be generous to others in December. My family and I took advantage of some of them and also created our own opportunities. I really do think that I have grown in significant ways in using my resources to serve and bless others.<br />
<br />
I was concerned that such an intangible and immeasurable goal would be a real challenge but I am glad that I set it and worked on it throughout the year. I think it's good to consider qualities you would like to be a solid part of your character and look for opportunities to grow in them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>I was quite challenged by my goals this year but am proud for having made progress in most of them. I know I stopped memorizing scripture partway through the year. I aimed high and did not achieve that one but that's okay. I'm giving myself grace and acknowledging that I set more goals than I could manage. </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>How did you do this year? What goals did you set and how did you do? Have you chosen a goal for 2017? Share it with me and we can encourage one another next year (once I figure out what my new goals are)!</i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-79678256670846817162016-12-31T06:48:00.001-08:002016-12-31T06:55:16.563-08:00December Book ReviewWe made it through the whole year! My goal for 2016 was to read fifty books. I accomplished that a little over halfway through the year but kept going because I am a bibliophile. My final total for 2016 was <b>81 books</b>! You can read more about December's reads below. If you want to read previous months' book reads, click the appropriate link: <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/01/january-book-review.html" target="_blank">January</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/03/february-book-review.html" target="_blank">February</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/04/march-book-review.html" target="_blank">March</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/05/april-book-review.html" target="_blank">April</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/06/may-book-review.html" target="_blank">May</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/07/june-book-review.html" target="_blank">June</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/08/july-book-review.html" target="_blank">July</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/09/august-book-review.html" target="_blank">August</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/10/september-book-review.html" target="_blank">September</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/11/october-book-review.html" target="_blank">October</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/12/november-book-review.html" target="_blank">November</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>1. The Magnolia Story </b>by <a href="https://magnoliamarket.com/about/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chip and Joanna Gaines</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XWBVuowEcKc8-rBj8YMqgCNo-7R0aHrK0N1dnd3GSmLf7F83UTYkT3m2lAkfZ20cz4Op0-dQ0WTmPCcAIl3zR-6RB_R5JUANl8RqXKjyM0aajjOH4OucM5V-R1u6fnvkfI5Ftb4E1tVc/s1600/magnolia+story.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XWBVuowEcKc8-rBj8YMqgCNo-7R0aHrK0N1dnd3GSmLf7F83UTYkT3m2lAkfZ20cz4Op0-dQ0WTmPCcAIl3zR-6RB_R5JUANl8RqXKjyM0aajjOH4OucM5V-R1u6fnvkfI5Ftb4E1tVc/s320/magnolia+story.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I have heard a lot about the Gaines' but haven't watched any of their shows. I knew that they were Christian, have a popular store in Waco, and Joanna is a great designer. I am always interested in decorating ideas and thought it might be that type of a book. It really wasn't, but I usually enjoy a good biography and this was pretty close to that. I enjoyed hearing about their story, how God intertwined their lives and has provided for them as they've dreamed and created and risked. I found it to be an encouraging read that might inspire one to pursue their own dreams.<br />
<br />
<b>2. These High, Green Hills</b> by <a href="http://www.mitfordbooks.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jan Karon</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxQnE0ezR-DMBXoTuKjoruioFtKaUqOhLcvpyewCMcdIhRQfTGYuMJrIuzNERQRBgPVxmN2_ImJbtB-vlSJeYBQABR_c_EGJkR3RLT0GrJ3rIK4JYEtskqJ862OnK8Kk9duanKCClozzh/s1600/these+high+green+hills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxQnE0ezR-DMBXoTuKjoruioFtKaUqOhLcvpyewCMcdIhRQfTGYuMJrIuzNERQRBgPVxmN2_ImJbtB-vlSJeYBQABR_c_EGJkR3RLT0GrJ3rIK4JYEtskqJ862OnK8Kk9duanKCClozzh/s320/these+high+green+hills.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<br />
This was the third book in The Mitford Series. Father Tim and Cynthia are recently married and learning the ins and outs of combining two lives at a more mature age. We continue to learn about the lives were were previously introduced to as well as a few new ones. Father Tim is tasked with finding a chaplain for the new Senior living center and becomes entangled in the well-being of a girl who lives in the rough part of town. It is more of the same enchanting, small town adventures I have come to expect and enjoy.<br />
<br />
<b>3. The Mitford Snowmen</b> by Jan Karon<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFSgQmPQugMsXAUr0oSag8BGe3anl7J9Yq00QVDCJxEF7wjBYctXtCFDJeeK70GvAnOmhj5xjt6nCIHGPlU8Q4gYIGfSlDNZASeTaeXB_AkDv0VNCQZZLle_q0FA8FMr-XKKTvHU3iVT4/s1600/mitford+snowmen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFSgQmPQugMsXAUr0oSag8BGe3anl7J9Yq00QVDCJxEF7wjBYctXtCFDJeeK70GvAnOmhj5xjt6nCIHGPlU8Q4gYIGfSlDNZASeTaeXB_AkDv0VNCQZZLle_q0FA8FMr-XKKTvHU3iVT4/s320/mitford+snowmen.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b> </b>I happened to see this short story at the library when I was in there and had to pick it up. I like reading Christmas-themed books in December. It was a fun little story about the business owners on Main Street having a snowman building contest which turned out not to actually be a contest until the mayor happened along and declared herself the judge.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>4. Esther's Gift</b> by Jan Karon<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2U8Ezd3St8tdO91pUGWBJ_LjoP7MxSqQflsCzsqlIuZm6HOVmCKC6UO6tLJYBGeILe5PjdIm6jDShQljqiUHrp9aua5RbzInb6x6UwaEw9Bcqz4quUxG3bjaaFBdtQUkvAx_ilHFPrJRs/s1600/esthers+gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2U8Ezd3St8tdO91pUGWBJ_LjoP7MxSqQflsCzsqlIuZm6HOVmCKC6UO6tLJYBGeILe5PjdIm6jDShQljqiUHrp9aua5RbzInb6x6UwaEw9Bcqz4quUxG3bjaaFBdtQUkvAx_ilHFPrJRs/s320/esthers+gift.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b> I saw this other Christmas-time short story at the same time and, of course, checked it out as well. Esther Bolick is known for her orange marmalade cakes and has over the years given them to people for celebratory occasions. She has decided to make seven for various people for Christmas but decides she'd like to know how much it costs her to make one. She gets her husband involved and is shocked to find out the total. She then wrestles with just how generous she should be. There is a recipe for her famous cake at the back for the adventurous.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Nothing to Prove: Why We Can Stop Trying So Hard</b> by <a href="http://www.jennieallen.com/blog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jennie Allen</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYrq4pJxFBi86UPhIbsQkJzvpkaB1dBcozNUyYgBjq-QWsOrVH16VOeuHTfejFbZ_fTCUtr7WJ4cbSGsXMxB1JC1fewggpjsP2gTn21uwzeWXwhjCbRVeyDKCjzoy4KjYs7XztjNqxDFR/s1600/nothing+to+prove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYrq4pJxFBi86UPhIbsQkJzvpkaB1dBcozNUyYgBjq-QWsOrVH16VOeuHTfejFbZ_fTCUtr7WJ4cbSGsXMxB1JC1fewggpjsP2gTn21uwzeWXwhjCbRVeyDKCjzoy4KjYs7XztjNqxDFR/s320/nothing+to+prove.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<br />
I joined Jennie Allen's FB group, The Village, because I was interested in learning more about the new book she was trying to write in three weeks. I have not read anything else by her but the subject for this one was something I was quite familiar with feeling and was curious as to what she would say about it. I managed to be one of the lucky ones to receive an ARC of <a href="http://www.jennieallen.com/blog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the book</a>, available January 31st.<br />
<br />
I really enjoyed the format of the book. At the end of each chapter is a related verse along with an exercise to complete that asks you to admit where you are weak in a particular area and then reach out to or share with others. I like that it pushes the reader to apply what they have just read to their lives.<br />
<br />
I really enjoyed the subject of feeling like I'm not enough and feeling the need or desire to strive or perform for others or God. She uses some stories from the book of John in the Bible to show us what Jesus was trying to teach his disciples and us. I felt that she shared a lot of truth and wisdom and I felt encouraged and freed to rest securely in my identity in Christ. I gained a better understanding of what it looks like to abide in Christ. I think this is a wonderful book for anyone who is tired of feeling like they are not enough but not realizing that this is God's invitation for us to draw nearer to him.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Starry Night: A Christmas Novel </b>by <a href="https://debbiemacomber.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Debbie Macomber</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxQURNMuaVtwKpKYhCH2DKLOK6zztuoPxewzsx6yfADeOxt_uPLyQiOMYl86s3Lt0sRhAruxDjNXVFWeibWZb_sfGr-d67ggPJWgMWQGb7DpMNTLthkWBkkNC71VRkA_HN_j3mJ2d0cVW/s1600/starry+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxQURNMuaVtwKpKYhCH2DKLOK6zztuoPxewzsx6yfADeOxt_uPLyQiOMYl86s3Lt0sRhAruxDjNXVFWeibWZb_sfGr-d67ggPJWgMWQGb7DpMNTLthkWBkkNC71VRkA_HN_j3mJ2d0cVW/s320/starry+night.jpg" width="184" /></a></div>
<br />
I searched for available Christmas themed e-books at my local library and this was one of my options. I have read a couple of books by Debbie Macomber and have enjoyed the reads. This one was no exception. <i>Chicago Herald</i> reporter Carrie Slayton is longing to get off of the social column and into real news reporting. Her editor tells her that if she can interview author Finn Dalton about his best-selling book <i>Alone</i> then she can have practically any section of the paper she desires. Carrie agrees to the deal before learning that hundreds of reporters have tried and failed to find the elusive Dalton. Carrie is determined to be the one to find him and starts the hunt.<br />
<br />
She finds him but finds much more than a homely reclusive man. She finds a stubborn, very masculine man that is determined not to grant her or anyone else an interview. While stuck in Alaska with Finn for two days in his cabin, his animosity slowly changes to amity and then attraction. Though the attraction is palpable, Finn is determined not to let her in. It was a fun, light, romantic read for the Christmas season.<br />
<br />
<b>7. The Bible</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2rDZO8LwmAjeLJe58o31xEuMo2yCfzenCcfGd8GKSUnvXXxqI9p_eYL6k1vkjNPToOJwOytdzxAihS9igEowzD2dSdi5OPXdr1fwagLRFLJ2JR3RI_GFuayCYngHIhRNUV3vZD-U66VN/s1600/niv+bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2rDZO8LwmAjeLJe58o31xEuMo2yCfzenCcfGd8GKSUnvXXxqI9p_eYL6k1vkjNPToOJwOytdzxAihS9igEowzD2dSdi5OPXdr1fwagLRFLJ2JR3RI_GFuayCYngHIhRNUV3vZD-U66VN/s320/niv+bible.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
I decided to read through the Bible again. It took me about two years to read the entire thing. I tend to get bogged down by the dryness of the middle of the Old Testament (Numbers, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles) so I chose to read through the book in no particular order, switching between Old and New Testament books. I kept a list and crossed each one off as I finished it. Luke and Acts were my final two books. I always enjoy reading through the books that aren't in the regular rotation.<br />
<br />
Last year a friend of mine talked about a practice she does toward the end of a year. She goes through each book of the Bible and writes down a verse from the chapter that coordinates with the coming year (last year all of the 16th chapters). Some books don't have sixteen chapters so then she would just pick a verse from the book. I tried it last year, choosing the 16th verse of some books with few chapters and sometimes using the 6th verse if the 16th didn't exist. I really enjoyed reading through them and seeing what was highlighted for the year. I wanted to do it again this year so I have done it for all of the 17th chapters (or verses). When I had options, I tried to pick ones that resonated with me form this year or that I wanted to be relevant for the coming year. It's a neat exercise if you are interested in reading the Bible in a new way.<br />
<br />
<b>8. No More Faking Fine: Ending the Pretending </b>by <a href="http://estherfleece.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Esther Fleece</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTII93yy7lnvt9eGQtlWhII53Xm4C-5ldfzgL-K4ATXQFLq6aaB3OakuZG4i5mOxjrydSjz-T8HOhNjx7zeGaBY3icZnks_isE_HcO1TbOwth23ththvEXNOg5ic6zFUUXjxFesxHLEulU/s1600/no+more+faking+fine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTII93yy7lnvt9eGQtlWhII53Xm4C-5ldfzgL-K4ATXQFLq6aaB3OakuZG4i5mOxjrydSjz-T8HOhNjx7zeGaBY3icZnks_isE_HcO1TbOwth23ththvEXNOg5ic6zFUUXjxFesxHLEulU/s320/no+more+faking+fine.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
I had the opportunity to receive and Advance Reader Copy of this book, officially available January 10, 2017. I was very curious to read it because I often struggle with feeling like I cannot be honest about how I am feeling with the world around me. I have often responded "Fine" when asked the generic "How are you?" by acquaintances. I was interested to see what Ms. Fleece had to say about ending the pretending.<br />
<br />
This book focuses on learning the practice of lament. Many of the Psalms in the Bible are laments by people who are struggling and wondering where God is amidst the difficulty. In fact, there's a whole book titled "Lamentations". In this book, we learn about Esther's tumultuous childhood and the effects it has continued to have on her life despite her desire to forget the past and move on. She learns that the best way to find healing is to address the wounds and a wonderful way of doing so is through learning to lament our hurts. Lamenting involves speaking honestly to God about the hurts in our lives, trusting that he is still good, still loving, still for us, and believing that he will bring about justice on our behalf. Through the process of being honest about our negative feelings, we will find healing. The process is painful but it's better than staying stuck in bitterness and hurt.<br />
<br />
I gained some useful tools and insight into acknowledging, addressing and finding healing for my hurts in God. We all experience pain in this world and we have a choice in how we will deal with it. Will we believe that God can use our pain for good and healing or will we choose to believe the lies of our enemy that God is not loving or present or trustworthy. I recommend this book for anyone who is feeling stuck or wallowing in hurt and desires healing and freedom, hope and new life.<br />
<br />
<b>9. The Mommy Shorts Guide to Remarkably Average Parenting</b> by <a href="http://www.mommyshorts.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ilana Wiles</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxataoGRVUF8v3Y44wc9rEoNoukHG8P5VNwXYfY2Qrdp5vw-k4opPHusn6UQYpYav1WEAQOnK9HJrw3PuwPz0wAu9_CL1oIYz0oAkTN8yCxA_-aZsGDyr9LKe6GpuEbr3OviO4VAvAP6um/s1600/remarkably+average+parenting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxataoGRVUF8v3Y44wc9rEoNoukHG8P5VNwXYfY2Qrdp5vw-k4opPHusn6UQYpYav1WEAQOnK9HJrw3PuwPz0wAu9_CL1oIYz0oAkTN8yCxA_-aZsGDyr9LKe6GpuEbr3OviO4VAvAP6um/s320/remarkably+average+parenting.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
<br />
I have followed the Mommy Shorts blog off and on along with @AverageParentProblems on Instagram. I thought it would be fun to read a book about her experiences with parenting and those of her blog followers. It did not disappoint.<br />
<br />
In the book you will find a humorous but fairly accurate view of parenting - starting with pregnancy through the first few years of raising two children (because that's as far as she's gotten in her parenting journey). It would be a good read for future parents that will hopefully help them prepare for parenting but understand that perfection is impossible. It's also a fun read for parents in the trenches because they will be able to relate and laugh at the ridiculousness that is parenting at times. If you need a laugh, definitely check out the book (but avoid if you're not a fan of spicy language).<br />
<br />
<b>10. Holidays on Ice</b> by <a href="http://www.davidsedarisbooks.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">David Sedaris</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_7PY4tp1wul_MKiZRna3W3H8LliXh7dPkbDwx1iQJrdW5Y4uPBycbdPJd0JEOjALUxy9JrMq371y-5YGrDNnqw9BjOR2DLU8Su7U7agR17i3mwhGhxlLHQ-1XcSEkJ96mcW49bICh46T/s1600/holidays+on+ice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_7PY4tp1wul_MKiZRna3W3H8LliXh7dPkbDwx1iQJrdW5Y4uPBycbdPJd0JEOjALUxy9JrMq371y-5YGrDNnqw9BjOR2DLU8Su7U7agR17i3mwhGhxlLHQ-1XcSEkJ96mcW49bICh46T/s320/holidays+on+ice.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
This was another of the holiday books I read in December. I have read a couple of David Sedaris' other collections of essays and they were interesting. This one was a compilation of memories of winters past along with random holiday-related essays such as one very crazy holiday newsletter and an account of neighbors trying to one-up one another in the giving department in very twisted ways. I cringed through some of the stories. It was rather crude in language but that's not unexpected if you've read other works by Sedaris. I probably wouldn't recommend it to many though his experience as an elf in a department store during the Christmas season was rather eye-opening.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>How many books did you read this year? Did you have a favorite that you would recommend? I don't think I'll set a goal for books in 2017 because I want to cut back on commitments so that I can enjoy my current season without feeling like I have a long to-do list waiting for me. I did enjoy the challenge that pushed me to make time for reading, though. It is such a refreshing task for me.</i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-7843238528441032792016-12-16T12:12:00.000-08:002016-12-16T12:12:00.465-08:00Nothing to Prove I had the privilege of receiving an advanced reading copy of Jennie Allen's new book <i>Nothing to Prove: Why We Can Stop Trying So Hard</i> which will be publicly available January 31, 2017. I had heard about this new book when she opened a Facebook group to help her as she worked to write the whole book in three weeks (she had written a different book but felt that God wanted her to write this one instead). She used her group for support, to bounce around ideas and have specific questions answered by her intended audience. I really enjoyed the book and want to share the parts that spoke the most to me during this time in my life.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>I'm convinced every one of us is fighting some pressure, some suffering, some sin, some burden...Nobody is <i>okay. fine. great. </i>But, goodness, we are all tired of trying to pretend we are. </b></blockquote>
<br />
I often forget that we all have our own stresses and pressures in life. It often seems like there are some people who do not and I suppose they are just those that are able to hide their mess the best. I<br />
<br />
I do get tired of pretending that I am fine all the time. I am tempted at times to respond to the question, <i>How are you?</i> truthfully but most of the time I assume the person asking isn't really wanting to know, it is just an informal greeting. I do sometimes wish that I could just lay it all out there and not worry about how others perceive me.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>If I were your enemy, I would make you numb and distract you from God's story. Technology, social media, Netflix, travel, food and wine, comfort.</b></blockquote>
<br />
Through reading this book I acknowledged that I had been numbing myself in order to avoid dealing with pain, struggle and hard parts of life. I became more aware of the strategies the enemy has been using to keep me from being truly free.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>I'm convinced nearly all of us feel this incredible pressure to prove we measure up in some way. Every morning we face the list of tasks left undone the previous night, the expectations of our family and coworkers, the burden to be the beautiful, strong, and gracious ideal humans that we're convinced the world, the church, and God require.</b></blockquote>
<br />
I don't know about everyone else, but I definitely have struggled with feeling like I am not measuring up, that I am inadequate, that I am not enough. It has finally begun to sink in that, perhaps, that is what God wants me to realize. On my own I am not enough. I need God. He wants me to depend on him, to consistently seek him in my life. This realization has started to remove this burden that I've been carrying around unnecessarily.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>To get to the place where God can be enough, we have to first admit we aren't.</b></blockquote>
<br />
I have finally, deep down in my soul, reached this place where I know I need God and I believe that he is enough for me. In him, I live and move and have my being. I will never measure up but that's not my purpose. My purpose is to reveal God's love to the world and how else can he do that but seeping through my cracks and imperfections?<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>There is no remedy for your striving apart from finding your identity in Christ. He is your enough, and the degree to which you believe that is the degree to which you will stop striving, st</b><b>op performing, stop trying to prove yourself.</b></blockquote>
<br />
<b></b> I believe that this is a true statement. I have striven for most of my life. I think part of that has been due to my type A, achievement-driven personality. It has not helped me to gain contentment and peace and I am now willing to try a new way, a way of rest and trust, belief and confidence in God.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Make it your goal to love and know Jesus as much as humanly possible and ministry <i>will</i> happen.</b></blockquote>
<br />
I am comforted by this statement. I do want to love and serve others in meaningful ways that honor God. If my focus us on knowing Jesus more, if I abide in him and keep myself attached to the vine, then fruit will naturally occur. Knowing God brings the living water and nourishment that is needed for effective ministry. I have to remember that my job is to stay close, God's job is to produce the fruit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nothing-Prove-Stop-Trying-Hard/dp/1601429614" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-EGrfLhDtTurt_4D3Qwn0CoP8c6anWwWjMPl3aFfmvaUSCGyL13bDmvgD_W7DzZGm9WpTLKRm-tuX2Tt3kF-3qNGEj9_Hqn0p98myOH3Zs8r41KVWFgni_qqxZuQtDPrVyT_s03rLVZs/s320/nothing+to+prove.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<br />
There were so many wonderful things I read in the book. I probably underlined a good third of it. If any of the highlighted quotes from the book resonated with you, I highly recommend <a href="http://www.jennieallen.com/nothing-to-prove/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ordering a copy</a>. If you are an achievement-focused person or scared that one day you will be exposed at not being enough, then definitely check out this book!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-3885633717037503412016-12-13T05:12:00.003-08:002016-12-13T05:12:24.693-08:00Finding Hope in the Struggle<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb60VBfKozJh542FZ_vam80pO0X3KRGl4j0vc6tyhrX-U0KeEuP7sKbu0H0SSLOErSi5jQsKSZbXFxQxKX3Fh92MIv3lVracsBGYwCMMPyINftiHCJh2qJfWiB0HO_VDrJOLE1_ucv1q-1/s1600/finding+hope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb60VBfKozJh542FZ_vam80pO0X3KRGl4j0vc6tyhrX-U0KeEuP7sKbu0H0SSLOErSi5jQsKSZbXFxQxKX3Fh92MIv3lVracsBGYwCMMPyINftiHCJh2qJfWiB0HO_VDrJOLE1_ucv1q-1/s320/finding+hope.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
God is continuing to help me work out this struggle with loneliness. I have felt that others do not fully understand what I have been trying
to <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/12/wrestling-with-loneliness.html" target="_blank">express about loneliness</a>. I do not find it difficult gathering people together
but am familiar with the truth that it is possible to be lonely in a crowd. My deeper desire is to belong and
to feel known and that doesn’t result from a bunch of surface relationships. My
other frustration has been in <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/04/relationship-struggle.html" target="_blank">not receiving many invitations</a> from others. But God
has recently helped me to understand and admit that I have been focusing on the minor
annoyances rather than on the many <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/01/reassessing-my-struggle.html" target="_blank">blessings he has provided for me</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When I was in church on Sunday I felt that God was asking
me to just let go of my frustrations, give him the whole situation, trust him to
do what is best, and turn my focus toward the blessings and express gratitude for
what I do have (rather than lament on what I feel I am lacking).<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHNaIuBvrUxAeNqMxtPvWfNwFIpweBnHnqGhKmv6bNdWHRfMv5oe4QB2r4NSlLd8CuMUt9iEEOO8utUkjp9usTfgX0RP73c7ZigMbQGJjb1TLWII0BoB173Duanz7N-QP3L8cOLz3GkdN/s1600/lonely+in+a+crowd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHNaIuBvrUxAeNqMxtPvWfNwFIpweBnHnqGhKmv6bNdWHRfMv5oe4QB2r4NSlLd8CuMUt9iEEOO8utUkjp9usTfgX0RP73c7ZigMbQGJjb1TLWII0BoB173Duanz7N-QP3L8cOLz3GkdN/s320/lonely+in+a+crowd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It is a blessing that so many people accept my invitations. Most of the time people are willing to get
together with me or my family and I should not discount that. It is a blessing that there are a few
people who do extend invitations to me and my family. I don’t know why I want
more people to do that as I would then be overwhelmed and not be able to focus
on growing deeper in a few special relationships. I do have several good
friends who are dependable and invested and I am remorseful that I have not
seemed more appreciative. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I also think I have been expecting too much from various
situations, having unrealistic expectations as a matter of fact. I did enjoy
the party I hosted recently but I went into it knowing I would not be able to have any
really deep conversations with anyone because my focus would be on everyone
feeling welcomed, comfortable and enjoying themselves. We went to a community gathering for church over the weekend and I knew it would be another evening of short,
not-too-personal conversations and I was able to enjoy it for what it was. I
cannot expect every gathering to fulfill <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/01/here-in-my-struggle.html" target="_blank">my need to be known</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I am
continuing to learn that I can only be completely fulfilled and known in Jesus. I am working
on <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/01/admitting-my-need.html" target="_blank">being transparent</a> with Jesus in meaningful time with him daily (because he
already knows it all, why bother trying to cover anything up). I do believe
that a large part of my struggle has been in trying to <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2015/04/still-struggling.html" target="_blank">get people to meet a need</a> only Jesus can fill. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnQRXsdmh-YF5Wc_13Ec4hP7PoHKre8HdhY_6sz9-PbrMowc_VjRo4dLM5nkSxBSBTgr_-QCJlrzzuvjn215zXyvWy3Ti3QQ5RA9LKgtXkm-zD0ED3g-8uKZt9WZuUy-Ued5nbB8bjHqK/s1600/life+is+good.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnQRXsdmh-YF5Wc_13Ec4hP7PoHKre8HdhY_6sz9-PbrMowc_VjRo4dLM5nkSxBSBTgr_-QCJlrzzuvjn215zXyvWy3Ti3QQ5RA9LKgtXkm-zD0ED3g-8uKZt9WZuUy-Ued5nbB8bjHqK/s320/life+is+good.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I know the struggle is not over, but I have hope and
confidence that I will be victorious in Jesus. I recognize the truth in
Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against
the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” I have believed
the enemy’s lies but have recently recognized them as being lies and have spoken
truth to myself in these areas to refute the lies. The enemy is hard at work
but I am becoming wise to his schemes and fighting back through prayer and
God’s word. Sunday's sermon at church had a quote from John Piper about being “more than a conqueror” (Romans 8:37) meaning that not only do we defeat our
enemy (as conquerors do), but our enemy actually serves and helps us. So our weaknesses and mistakes can be
redeemed and become beneficial. I know the truth in that and was appreciative of the reminder.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I have struggled throughout <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2014/07/loneliness-friendships-and-hope.html" target="_blank">the past few years</a> but am seeing some hope and purpose in it. I know I have not always been wise or grace-filled in how I have handled everything but I know that I am covered by grace and pray for forgiveness from anyone I have hurt during this process. I am as flawed and fumbling as the next person. I pray that others would see the hope and God's faithfulness in my story. God has the power to redeem any and every circumstance and story.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-24894261042095371492016-12-07T04:36:00.004-08:002016-12-07T04:36:56.231-08:00Wrestling with Loneliness<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I was thinking recently about the changes in my life over
the past year. The first four months of the year were very busy and scheduled.
I remember thinking that if I had a lot of activity it would get rid of my
feelings of loneliness. It obviously didn’t because I wrote several posts about
feeling lonely. Reading Jennie Allen’s book <i>Nothing
to Prove</i> recently helped me to see that keeping a full schedule was the way
I tried to numb myself from feeling lonely. I thought if I had a lot going on,
I wouldn’t have time to be lonely. The only thing it did was keep me from
facing my loneliness, allowing it to grow deeper while I kept it pushed back
into a dark corner. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3kVZiakyhSbFfl_HFyi0Zc2ZLKEV0yhUzFMBrB8QRzhvKQg7h6AAa421wRcj8oblWeO83wD_hPnmFLPoF9fm_OX0EBX1orksYXbaQ23gTEYZKjKJtMgc2IeqBaHdrbnkL7BkWFrw8qsI/s1600/wrestling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3kVZiakyhSbFfl_HFyi0Zc2ZLKEV0yhUzFMBrB8QRzhvKQg7h6AAa421wRcj8oblWeO83wD_hPnmFLPoF9fm_OX0EBX1orksYXbaQ23gTEYZKjKJtMgc2IeqBaHdrbnkL7BkWFrw8qsI/s320/wrestling.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Being honest and admitting my loneliness was a good first
step. But I was trying to find an external reason for my loneliness. I believed
the lies that there was something wrong with me keeping others from inviting me
to do things, that I was too much or not enough or just too normal/boring to be
noticed. At one point I thought that maybe if my family had some huge issue or
need, then people would see us, see my loneliness, and do something about it.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In May, God asked me to trust him with my loneliness. He
asked me to set down my impulse to schedule things with people and allow him
the opportunity to meet my need for connection and community. I set aside the
month to see what God would do. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a few
invitations from others. Not as many as I would like (I think I was still
trying to stay busy to numb my feelings), but what I needed to be reminded that
he is faithful and he cares about and for me.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I chose to continue to pare back my schedule over the
summer and fall months. I have enjoyed not being so busy or rushed this fall.
It has allowed me some spontaneous engagements and more time at home with
family. I am also being reminded through this process that my worth is not
determined by my accomplishments or achievements. I have often felt like doing
less meant being lazy. But we need rest and refreshment and refusing to make
time for both of those is not being a good steward of my body and health.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I am choosing to trust that there is a purpose in all of
this. I have no idea what the big picture is, but I am enjoying the small
things I am learning and the ways I am changing and growing. No, I don’t enjoy
the waves of loneliness I feel but I am learning to turn toward God rather than
away, which is my enemy’s goal.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Recently, my mentor and I talked about my struggle with
loneliness. I was telling her what had been going on with our family and she
noted that I have had a good amount of social engagement recently. I admitted
that it’s not very challenging to get together with others. My frustration
tends to stem from feeling that I have to shoulder the responsibility of
organizing events and people. I wonder if it’s the enemy twisting my
perspective to keep me from having community. Yes, I may have to ask people to
do things with us, but most of the time I receive an affirmative which should
be a sign that my company is enjoyable. And what’s wrong with being the
organizer (as long as it is not completely draining)?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My mentor had more positive thoughts about my struggle. Perhaps the
acute feeling of loneliness exists inside me in order to prompt me to reach out
to others who may also be experiencing loneliness. I notice that not many
people seem to invite others and perhaps they are too busy or also hearing
internally that their presence is not desired or are fearful that their
invitation will be rejected. Perhaps this thing that I lament can be the
impetus that leads me to the community I so desire.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I have a friend who has organized her own birthday
gatherings the past two years. She said she loved spending time with friends
and would be disappointed on birthdays when she didn’t engage with others. She
thought, <i>Why not be in charge of my
birthday agenda and invite my friends? It’s what I want and I know it’s worth
it to put forth the effort.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This should probably be my perspective. And it is,
sometimes. This spring I think I was just worn out and coming out of a season
of too much work and not enough rest. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I am still swinging back and forth between trusting God
and feeling contentment, and feeling lonely and left out. Perhaps this will
always be a cycle for me. At least I know that God will always be with me and
is able to provide peace and encouragement. I will place my hope in the belief
that good will come from all of this and it will be to God’s glory.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-11022578563783721232016-12-02T04:00:00.000-08:002016-12-03T17:39:13.855-08:00November Book ReviewWe just wrapped up November. I was right about a deficiency of reading time. I did finish three books which isn't too shabby. If you want to read previous months' book reads, click the appropriate link: <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/01/january-book-review.html" target="_blank">January</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/03/february-book-review.html" target="_blank">February</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/04/march-book-review.html" target="_blank">March</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/05/april-book-review.html" target="_blank">April</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/06/may-book-review.html" target="_blank">May</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/07/june-book-review.html" target="_blank">June</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/08/july-book-review.html" target="_blank">July</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/09/august-book-review.html" target="_blank">August</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/10/september-book-review.html" target="_blank">September</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/11/october-book-review.html" target="_blank">October</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>1. A Light in the Window</b> by <a href="http://www.mitfordbooks.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jan Karon</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUrVJjOccf-A7CEWRX3nmuuWOcimtSI4QpnPhpSiI7ZB2eaWxB7VICnmJJVG-OAY1DgRpKW4kkCkO4e9sSBMy3mkilFf5CAOGuIEYNBRlYt-oVAlSQURwh_tjK05lynQTM8SAUTBOqAeM/s1600/light+in+the+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUrVJjOccf-A7CEWRX3nmuuWOcimtSI4QpnPhpSiI7ZB2eaWxB7VICnmJJVG-OAY1DgRpKW4kkCkO4e9sSBMy3mkilFf5CAOGuIEYNBRlYt-oVAlSQURwh_tjK05lynQTM8SAUTBOqAeM/s320/light+in+the+window.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the second book in <i>The Mitford Series</i>. I thoroughly enjoyed the first one and was anxious to see how the story continued from the first one. It picked up with Father Tim returning from his Ireland trip and trying to get back into a routine at home. He is once again unsure how to proceed in his friendship with Cynthia while trying to help fix issues all around town. I was very anxious to learn what would happen between Father Tim and Cynthia. I love a good love story so I was strung along throughout the book to see if there would be a happy ending after all. The other characters in the novel are also very endearing and lovable and I wished the best for nearly everyone in the story (there's always a bad apple or two, right?).<br />
The story is very well spun and kept my attention throughout. I was sad to reach the last page, but encouraged that the next installment is already available at my local library. I have been assured that the entire series is as engaging and endearing and am excited about having so many more installments of the people of Mitford, North Carolina.<br />
<br />
<b>2. The Opposite of Everyone</b> by <a href="http://www.joshilynjackson.com/jj/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Joshilyn Jackson</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KQVvNlx6byT7AuivZqvTqwKL_A7yaz8LP3QZXejEyLnGtkdlZAHz4409PtKB0fPVwt9whBmoL93jCWvzVrSh_Lola2SFLLUoaWBVZNGOOhdHTHL3fBlZ53mTIXUQyk6wcqtlDRiqfDPJ/s1600/opposite+of+everyone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KQVvNlx6byT7AuivZqvTqwKL_A7yaz8LP3QZXejEyLnGtkdlZAHz4409PtKB0fPVwt9whBmoL93jCWvzVrSh_Lola2SFLLUoaWBVZNGOOhdHTHL3fBlZ53mTIXUQyk6wcqtlDRiqfDPJ/s320/opposite+of+everyone.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
I had read a short story by Joshilyn Jackson during the summer. I was looking for a currently-available book from the library to be able to read in bed and this is what I picked. It's about a woman named Paula living in Atlanta (I really do like books that take place where I live or have lived) who had a transient childhood with her single mother. She committed a grievous act against her mother as a young girl and has been attempting to pay restitution to her mother for the past decade and a half in hopes of finally receiving forgiveness from her. She receives a message from her mother that she is dying of cancer. Paula struggles to deal with this revelation when her previously-unknown half-brother walks into her life.<br />
The story shifts back and forth between present day and memories of her past. I really enjoyed the gradual filling in of her background and history to help the reader gain more understanding into the situation and Paula herself. I was quickly engaged in the story and anxious to see how it would be resolved. I really enjoyed the unfolding of the story. I would recommend this book for someone looking for an interesting fiction read.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out and Lonely</b> by <a href="http://proverbs31.org/speakers/lysa-terkeurst/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lysa TerKeurst</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gVB3-ROJhinRe6yh7SgoCVRdsGX8Y5BS03yXkpUIDQ0vLYPZ_NJQ_iu4pZi0RDv4uRkbC0San49O4Q8SBZttb96qtOSYm7X8oQSFkowXvM2MoMDMn5X3zem7lDX_z1ex-OgA7-OW6mlM/s1600/uninvited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gVB3-ROJhinRe6yh7SgoCVRdsGX8Y5BS03yXkpUIDQ0vLYPZ_NJQ_iu4pZi0RDv4uRkbC0San49O4Q8SBZttb96qtOSYm7X8oQSFkowXvM2MoMDMn5X3zem7lDX_z1ex-OgA7-OW6mlM/s320/uninvited.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
I had heard a lot of good things about this book. I had read <i>Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions</i> even though I don't consider myself driven by my emotions and found it very helpful for me in dealing with the emotions I do have. :-) I have been feeling lonely a lot this year so it seemed like a book that would be right up my alley. And boy, was it. I had borrowed it from the library otherwise it would have been all marked up. Instead I took a bunch of photos with my phone of impactful sentences and paragraphs. There was so much excellent information, truth, and encouragement in this book I have not fully been able to process it. It definitely helped me to have a more enlightened and God-focused mindset on things I've been feeling and experiencing. I have hope that God will use my loneliness and rejection for my benefit and his glory. I already know that I am going to re-read the book once I acquire my own copy. If you struggle with loneliness or rejection, I would highly recommend this book. Even if you just want to be reminded of the benefit of drawing closer to God so that you can live loved, this book is also for you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>What did you read in November? I like to try to read at least one Christmas-themed book in December. Do you do that as well? Do you have any favorite Christmas book titles to share with me? </i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-43118444197876912842016-12-01T09:02:00.000-08:002016-12-01T09:02:05.499-08:00November Goal ReviewOctober is over. It is the gear up toward the holiday season. It can be a lot of fun but also quite stressful. Let's see how my goals fared this month. If you want to read about previous months' successes and failures, click the appropriate month: <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/02/first-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">January</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/03/second-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">February</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/04/third-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">March</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/05/fourth-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">April</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/06/may-book-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">May</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/07/june-book-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">June</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/08/seventh-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">July</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/09/august-goal-review.html" target="_blank">August</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/10/september-goal-review.html" target="_blank">September</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/11/october-goal-review.html" target="_blank">October</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>1. One arts and crafts time with the kids each month</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b> </b>Kaitlyn had to disguise a turkey for school so we worked on that together. Jackson wanted to participate so I gave him some materials to work with while I cut leaves and Kaitlyn cut and glued. Afterward she decided to turn the remaining leaves into a fall crown which she graciously gave to me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTL7Lj76Dl-WOR9HG7tCZqoSVlq79QzErJQk1aerPJAiNOjESJjuVRrwi84KHItVg6nIN6qEZjQ7aAuHwTH_MdCSxEEY1hChYdTTctCBwPAgRu_iRlE8DiuWXVegfpC6cu5Z1PKK_JvVxI/s1600/k+turk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTL7Lj76Dl-WOR9HG7tCZqoSVlq79QzErJQk1aerPJAiNOjESJjuVRrwi84KHItVg6nIN6qEZjQ7aAuHwTH_MdCSxEEY1hChYdTTctCBwPAgRu_iRlE8DiuWXVegfpC6cu5Z1PKK_JvVxI/s320/k+turk2.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBmlBIfPFPsyFzKfaQSCjStUx69jdqzjvxHeORNiz8m5g2R8G-jbSozz38QQrXw8t8TypKUbcAMV_y3IT6x79rP26vM8uHEarAya3613E4XcdsMxrK0KYHXGxCi5W8Un0YY90woko3iHr/s1600/j+turk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBmlBIfPFPsyFzKfaQSCjStUx69jdqzjvxHeORNiz8m5g2R8G-jbSozz38QQrXw8t8TypKUbcAMV_y3IT6x79rP26vM8uHEarAya3613E4XcdsMxrK0KYHXGxCi5W8Un0YY90woko3iHr/s320/j+turk.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBeAJ99d4bbU-OKDuFTGOYWKVwipnRDAJd6I_mQEz7Ei6pOipYthgi_zfPPteGvVQFPcg_9psQBn7epO8pBl_8CD69G-3A8cMlcF8bMztitHXFpOO-OMobpbqbxNWTvrq-qUyv0xc2sf4/s1600/me+leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBeAJ99d4bbU-OKDuFTGOYWKVwipnRDAJd6I_mQEz7Ei6pOipYthgi_zfPPteGvVQFPcg_9psQBn7epO8pBl_8CD69G-3A8cMlcF8bMztitHXFpOO-OMobpbqbxNWTvrq-qUyv0xc2sf4/s320/me+leaf.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
<br />
We had some friends over for a play date and decided to make some playdough beforehand for the occasion. The kids chose the colors and mixed the food coloring into the dough. Kaitlyn wanted to make bracelets for her friends so we also got out the beads and went to work. I helped Jackson make his bracelet. The kids enjoyed these projects. Kaitlyn is really beginning to get into the spirit of making and giving things to others. She is excited about being able to give her friends gifts for Christmas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrPEiYJggx2pV9sazwvPdcdtXFCrhNCG56pPA5q8zrzqNk1Kz_jn39GgrpmFvAvSR-nEqTStv2GlcXtAhvt6Ju4H-Mej_8PIHqxBNwAnS8o0IaORjN8QZ8KtJIdLMv7byQhI-nciITsSJ/s1600/playdough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrPEiYJggx2pV9sazwvPdcdtXFCrhNCG56pPA5q8zrzqNk1Kz_jn39GgrpmFvAvSR-nEqTStv2GlcXtAhvt6Ju4H-Mej_8PIHqxBNwAnS8o0IaORjN8QZ8KtJIdLMv7byQhI-nciITsSJ/s320/playdough.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXMq-g017wzlKCGNnFK7UYlNoZYVzLmTU4Hfmy7qvCzCjwd39SsEqy8QcgHBCsFzadQF1f6xXsd5Mi4t2V65DAhNXO6_4dP4VY0w0-Hyj9-aUrnbKaHBej1tQQl55LbMAyOhn_XNkQiIR/s1600/bracelets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXMq-g017wzlKCGNnFK7UYlNoZYVzLmTU4Hfmy7qvCzCjwd39SsEqy8QcgHBCsFzadQF1f6xXsd5Mi4t2V65DAhNXO6_4dP4VY0w0-Hyj9-aUrnbKaHBej1tQQl55LbMAyOhn_XNkQiIR/s320/bracelets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b> </b>My daughter asks if we can do a craft about once per week (the reason I set one of my goals this year to be a monthly craft even though I'm not crafty). When she asked most recently, I had seen a craft on Facebook that I thought we had the supplies for and could do immediately. It was a video of a woman making a star out of paper. I hadn't actually listened to the instructions and when I did (right after telling my daughter we could do a star craft) I learned that the woman used paper bags instead of sheets of paper. I decided we would try to go forward with the project anyway. We decorated fourteen white sheets of paper and then taped them together in pairs on three sides. We glued them together per the instructions, cut off triangles, and tested it out. I'd say it was successful and my daughter thought it was pretty cool (she already wants to make another one).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uaoAP3enC0n__YJpxpBK_3ybOZtI__-K5m3C1NEkZ2d3cwM4mYDTf-Mx65T6Sq1aKHjymuin4FGard8d0iW3xNSr-QGMxeV4rSjmF3y8Ox0khEeyKQJsfahzvQXnz7fXf56bBHHtAaUO/s1600/star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uaoAP3enC0n__YJpxpBK_3ybOZtI__-K5m3C1NEkZ2d3cwM4mYDTf-Mx65T6Sq1aKHjymuin4FGard8d0iW3xNSr-QGMxeV4rSjmF3y8Ox0khEeyKQJsfahzvQXnz7fXf56bBHHtAaUO/s320/star.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUnUrmRpWBNka-Ms6ZhqSw94zUDLCOnn3GUdKhPX1J231-kf8slP-UX88Ku1x8gDje70IDDKwdtnpGwAVWZ30s9U7PrfWra9rXS5DCY6t8_gQx3CWRVje_m8MuXLC6dD3qOtoRfGywdor/s1600/star2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUnUrmRpWBNka-Ms6ZhqSw94zUDLCOnn3GUdKhPX1J231-kf8slP-UX88Ku1x8gDje70IDDKwdtnpGwAVWZ30s9U7PrfWra9rXS5DCY6t8_gQx3CWRVje_m8MuXLC6dD3qOtoRfGywdor/s320/star2.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgit8TcHXlMMO34A_tYmfsUzlqVK5fylBycdHyol8NzlSiUMdsKZ_K0PAeOsevI15sLLmLPTskmjycuUxSnZDPV5POn05oxH87k-SpZZU8WWcLV6DnF389AY0QeaKnartwkMnwWItR2-EQX/s1600/star3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgit8TcHXlMMO34A_tYmfsUzlqVK5fylBycdHyol8NzlSiUMdsKZ_K0PAeOsevI15sLLmLPTskmjycuUxSnZDPV5POn05oxH87k-SpZZU8WWcLV6DnF389AY0QeaKnartwkMnwWItR2-EQX/s320/star3.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>2. Blog at least twice per month</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b> </b>After October's mental block, the gates seem to have opened a bit for me to express things on my mind and in my life. I'm not doing another writing challenge, but trying to talk about what's going on with me. I wrote a post about <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/11/learning-to-rest-in-god.html" target="_blank">a morning I spent in prayer</a>, meditation and communion with God. I also wrote about finding tangible and meaningful <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/11/listen-love-repeat.html" target="_blank">ways to love others</a>. I also shared a post about being reminded of where <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/11/determining-my-worth.html" target="_blank">my worth</a> comes from. I still desire for blogging to become a more regular part of my routine but balance is still elusive to me.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>3. Grow in gratitude, contentment and generosity</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b> </b>Continuing to write regularly in my gratitude journal has helped me to stay reminded of all I have to be thankful for. November, obviously, had been a constant reminder of my blessings and freedoms.<br />
<br />
As the Advent season has begun, I do desire to be able to enjoy the remembrance of Christ's birth and the hope that it brings. I desire to remain content throughout this season - content with where I am in all facets of life (geographical location, spiritual, physical), content with what I have (possessions, mental faculties, physical health, relationships), and who I am (imperfect, valuable, loved, accepted human being). That's a lot to try to be content about but if my heart is at peace and rest then I will truly have joy.<br />
<br />
My biggest struggle with contentment has been in my relationships. Because I don't have family nearby, I have to rely on friends for my social life. I have periods where I feel frustrated that it feels like my family only hangs out with others when we do the inviting. I often wonder if others don't entertain or they just don't think to ask us to do things. More than likely they're in a busy season of life. I'm praying that God will help me find contentment in the relationships and social calendar I do have rather than the one I yearn for.<br />
<b><br /></b> Since reading <i><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/11/listen-love-repeat.html" target="_blank">Listen, Love, Repeat</a></i>, I've been trying to be a better listener in order to better discern ways to love, help and serve others. As Christmas approaches, my desire to be more generous has increased. I really want this Advent season to be marked by love and kindness and charity. I want our family to focus on blessing others, on looking outward rather than inward. My six-year-old is excited about the idea of giving friends and family gifts for Christmas. She even asked for chore opportunities so she could earn money to buy gifts for friends. My four-year-old is still focused more on receiving gifts, but that's probably to be expected.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>What did you work on achieving in November? Did the Thanksgiving holiday cause setbacks? Are you prepared for working on your goals in December with everything else going on? It will take focus and dedication, but we can finish this year strong!</i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-41894278836360567232016-11-22T11:06:00.003-08:002016-11-22T11:07:20.365-08:00Determining My Worth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkjmEcrvsvadwOpI9o39S5Ak30ew1uBOeSdhyphenhyphenOMPpn7iZQSucVmaO8fthmHEG6cp-6eKNAYBiZBuocCE4pfrczmv2m4prkY9ba6Uimu1Fzv-JcaAotZP49WXFrn8QlmJJb91rWe-KDa3r/s1600/performance2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkjmEcrvsvadwOpI9o39S5Ak30ew1uBOeSdhyphenhyphenOMPpn7iZQSucVmaO8fthmHEG6cp-6eKNAYBiZBuocCE4pfrczmv2m4prkY9ba6Uimu1Fzv-JcaAotZP49WXFrn8QlmJJb91rWe-KDa3r/s320/performance2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As a type A person, I am all about getting things done. I constantly have a to-do list I'm working toward crossing off. I feel like I'm being productive and wise with my time if I am doing something. However, I have been learning that the enemy likes to use busyness to keep us from being effective in loving and serving others. We think we're doing good things, but I often find that if my focus is on my to-do list then I am not making time to connect or interact with others. At the end of the day I may have cleaned the house, but I didn't have any meaningful relational interactions with friends and family.<br />
<br />
I have been trying to scale back on activities so that there is plenty of room for spontaneity or interruptions of my plans. I want to be able to answer a phone call or text from a friend or sit down and read a book or play Legos with my kids without it feeling like a disruption to my day. It's certainly not a poor use of my time even though the enemy tries to make me think so. <br />
<br />
This morning while journaling during my quiet time with God, the following statement emerged:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Your worth is not determined by your performance.</i></blockquote>
It struck me and made me pause in my journaling time. This is a truth I struggle with often. I know in my mind that I am loved regardless of my behavior. I am loved just because I am a creation of God's. But often times my behavior does not reflect this truth. I can get caught up in trying to do things to please God, or perhaps be worthy of his love and grace. I don't need to. I cannot be loved more or less than I already am. I can stop trying to impress God or other people.<br />
<br />
I know some of my efforts are to prove to others that I am a good Christian, whatever that means. It feels like there's an invisible bar I'm trying to reach in order to win the favor of others. This is impossible and yet another trap of the devil. He wants me to be endlessly striving, wearing myself out trying to achieve something that is unachievable. Nothing I do can every make every single person like me or approve of me. There will always be people who choose to judge me negatively. I cannot control others' perceptions of me. What I can do is rest in the knowledge that I am already loved and approved by the one who made me and knows me most intimately.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Am I now seeking the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #6a6a6a; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">approval of men</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">, or of God? Or am I striving to please men</span><wbr style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></wbr><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> ~Galatians 1:10</span> </blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-31966566224666480882016-11-15T04:00:00.000-08:002016-11-15T04:00:29.894-08:00Listen, Love, Repeat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I had the privilege of receiving a preview pdf of a wonderful book, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Listen-Love-Repeat-Other-Centered-Self-Centered/dp/0310339677/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Listen, Love, Repeat: Other-Centered Living in a Self-Centered World</a></i> by Karen Ehman that is officially available today. The title of the book immediately intrigued and attracted me. I know that I have a tendency to be selfish and self-centered and was hoping this book would help me to shift my focus more outwardly toward those around me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2d7Ia-s_Er35dHfBl43PKuWY2prXkkkWPp8i15S56QpNgrmJ3GVv9DcEXABC6Im2p3cTlvQAzkdhodjpTqyXdlC4ETVbzLBhqO2T6CBU1tKZcEffLzJ0Oa5UuicmzUEy9Ki7al4NAbSE/s1600/listen+love+repeat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2d7Ia-s_Er35dHfBl43PKuWY2prXkkkWPp8i15S56QpNgrmJ3GVv9DcEXABC6Im2p3cTlvQAzkdhodjpTqyXdlC4ETVbzLBhqO2T6CBU1tKZcEffLzJ0Oa5UuicmzUEy9Ki7al4NAbSE/s320/listen+love+repeat.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a very practical book with inspiring stories and examples that motivated me to try to be more intentional in looking for opportunities to serve those around me. I liked that the chapters were divided into different groups of people in our lives and specific suggestions on how to love them well. I pre-ordered a copy and look forward to using this book as a reference point as I seek to be more intentional in my relationships.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYCp-EQdt9DLCvvvh94o6VxNDmNjZDoZNQnp8OqHRPr17m0jqX8mVYbVQIF0d097lU9zV_at-kkgnOZzMZwkhtHJF8B3i3BEu6ZBTJKosYT1NDVHZh3-Iiv92YpY8FC1giG0Soac-5AGC/s1600/llrmeme3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYCp-EQdt9DLCvvvh94o6VxNDmNjZDoZNQnp8OqHRPr17m0jqX8mVYbVQIF0d097lU9zV_at-kkgnOZzMZwkhtHJF8B3i3BEu6ZBTJKosYT1NDVHZh3-Iiv92YpY8FC1giG0Soac-5AGC/s320/llrmeme3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I want to share some of the encouragement and inspiration with you so I will share some of my favorite quotes from the book. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Only when we love and share and serve, as Scripture commands us, can we live life on purpose, embracing the reason God brought us to Earth in the first place. As we reach out not only to friends and family but to strangers, the lonely, and the less-than-lovely, we will learn to mirror Christ and to let his light shine so that he gets all the glory.</i></blockquote>
I have become increasingly aware over the years that my focus should be on loving God and loving others. A very high calling but also a very important one. When doing things, perhaps I should ask myself - does this show love for God and/or others? Only doing things that answer the question affirmatively would certainly save a lot of heartache.<br />
<br />
I enjoyed that Karen consistently reminded me that our reason for loving and serving is to point to Jesus. Our whole lives are supposed to be lived in a way that show Christ's love to the world around us. I know I am sometimes motivated by my personal glory or the approval of others. I appreciated this check of my heart to my underlying desires.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Paul instructs us to help to lighten the load of others, because when we encourage, cheer, help, guide, or simply do life with another person, we let them see a little snippet of Christ and his love. Our acts don't have to be complicated or grand. Even simple acts of service and offerings of time can have a monumental effect in the life of another.</i></blockquote>
I like the reminder that we don't have to make grand gestures all of the time to show love and be effective in showing Christ's love. A listening ear can be a great blessing to someone who needs to share what's on their heart. I know how encouraged I am when someone takes a little time to reach out and let me know that they were thinking about me or praying for me. Being told that you are on someone's mind can be a huge lift for your spirit.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The pause and preparation were good for my soul. They reminded me that relationships require work, that remembering isn't always easy - and that sometimes sweat is involved in listening and loving.</i></blockquote>
It is good to remember that we should be covering our desires to serve, and subsequent efforts, in prayer. God knows the hearts of others better than we do and can show us the most effective way to love and serve someone. If we will be sensitive to his leading, we can love in meaningful ways, even though it may seem insignificant to us.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Living a life of welcome - opening both your heart and your home - means your stuff gets used. And reused. Over and over again. Your items get nicked and scratched. Your carpet and rugs and linens get stained. While this doesn't mean we don't try to make our surroundings pleasant, it does mean we learn to accept some degree of imperfection. Well-used items often mean that we have loved well.</i></blockquote>
I know that this is true, but sometimes it's a struggle for me. I like the things I have in my home and want them to continue to look nice, but if I am really going to love people (and especially families with young kids) I have to expect that some damage will be done. Perhaps I can remember that these loved people are giving my home more character. It is definitely worth losing a book here and there to people who might be encouraged by the message within. It's just stuff. And it's meant to be used to love others. Everything should have a use and a purpose (even if the purpose is just to look pretty or create a welcoming, peace-filled environment). If I can keep a love-focused attitude, then I can keep my hands open to sharing and using my possessions for God's purposes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06jz1VcdiYC2Fh3BUDYQXwDPbHcjopFL7WFEpte7PA7SH3RDj-PDUozRlssFaT_cjk7qudGAzbGEt21G40IdgyntozDClfeBjWH1yNh8Ut4aGxY_M183pIPUkh48CcjRBzmW0w6YlHJ0i/s1600/llrmeme14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06jz1VcdiYC2Fh3BUDYQXwDPbHcjopFL7WFEpte7PA7SH3RDj-PDUozRlssFaT_cjk7qudGAzbGEt21G40IdgyntozDClfeBjWH1yNh8Ut4aGxY_M183pIPUkh48CcjRBzmW0w6YlHJ0i/s320/llrmeme14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Jesus modeled upside-down living and loving. In addition to loving people who were socially marginalized, Jesus loved those who hated and despised him. Those who treated him terribly. He encouraged his followers to do the same, without excuse.</i></blockquote>
<i> </i>This can be a tall order. We all love caring for those who also care for us. It's the ones that rub us the wrong way or are outright contentious or rude that cause us to struggle against what Jesus has asked us to do. We all have at least one person in our life we'd like to pretend does not exist. But if we are not consistently kind and present, how will they know Christ's love for them. Obviously we should not willingly submit to abusive relationships. We should be wise in our relationships.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The only way to go about loving the difficult is to expect nothing in return. If we do good in order to gain accolades or to receive praise, or expect to convert someone and have a great redemptive story to tell, we will quickly give up. We love others out of obedience to God. Then we leave the results to him. When your expectation bar is lowered all the way down, you will not have to fear being disappointed by their lack of response. So expect nothing in return. Zero.</i></blockquote>
This is a big challenge for me, and probably many others. We are results oriented. We want acknowledgement for our hard work. We want others to know what we have done, to be raised up. But Jesus wasn't like that. He was seeking God's glory, not his own. And, if I really love God and others, then my glory should be the last thing on my mind. I can't say this won't be a constant battle, but it is one I am willing to wage.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>If you long to be a person who scatters God's kindness, surround yourself with others who have the same desire. You can share ideas, pray for each other, and encourage each other during those times when you think the effort simply isn't worth it. Christian support is crucial if you wish to live a life that follows and reflects Jesus.</i></blockquote>
<i> </i>I love this reminder that loving others should be done in community. We need people to encourage, support and inspire us or we will be tempted to give up when it becomes challenging or tiring. We don't need to be continuously expending energy and effort without pausing to refill and refresh ourselves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85R5aRY28nPZ2oWfbdYazUKDqh8QtytOQpkB9xD7T-5uq82jTYcfO69ovv6LdJcM_jpxXOniQn_m_9XzmaMd1kGZycSxuEu2rj6y2dwt6UmfelB-BvjPXKlg3mF8QoK00f8jkJqdG8I7Y/s1600/llrmeme18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85R5aRY28nPZ2oWfbdYazUKDqh8QtytOQpkB9xD7T-5uq82jTYcfO69ovv6LdJcM_jpxXOniQn_m_9XzmaMd1kGZycSxuEu2rj6y2dwt6UmfelB-BvjPXKlg3mF8QoK00f8jkJqdG8I7Y/s320/llrmeme18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>I think this book is amazing. If you were encouraged or inspired by the quotes you read, I would highly recommend getting <a href="http://www.listenloverepeatbook.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a copy of this book</a> for yourselves. </i></b> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-32039953328926804532016-11-08T10:57:00.003-08:002016-11-09T17:20:29.788-08:00Forget the Clock: Learning to Rest in God The <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/06/trust-and-rest-current-themes-of-my-life.html" target="_blank">theme of this year</a> for me has been trust and rest. I am not good at either of those, it seems. And they are definitely intertwined in my life. I struggle a lot with feeling that I always must be productive, always working and doing something. I seem to equate resting with being lazy. Yet God commands us to rest. He demonstrated this concept for us by resting himself after six days of work. Jesus took breaks from his ministry. He slept, he stole away from people to rest and recharge. Our bodies are not made to work indefinitely without rest, certainly not at top functioning capacity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAheXnUMjQ0orT5T5CV8aSazQNq7ABAGzF2rZZQnuEkM5I_Mi3Amlr5g4uCRtp2QcfB5Lem64DeDIqARn9f73gKy1qbjlyZJf-4AJpmki9zSplozLG-I_b9wHxmqZxKj7oqM3YIgQuw5E/s1600/forget+the+clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAheXnUMjQ0orT5T5CV8aSazQNq7ABAGzF2rZZQnuEkM5I_Mi3Amlr5g4uCRtp2QcfB5Lem64DeDIqARn9f73gKy1qbjlyZJf-4AJpmki9zSplozLG-I_b9wHxmqZxKj7oqM3YIgQuw5E/s320/forget+the+clock.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
I had recently been feeling frazzled and overwhelmed (two major signs that I am in need of rest). I know it was because I had allowed my schedule to become too crowded for rest, quiet and refreshment (as an introvert, times of quiet are very important). I have been trying to acquire a more relaxed, unhurried rhythm to life and my schedule but my desire to be productive and to accomplish has been steadily creeping back in, especially as we approach the holidays. (I think we all associate the holidays with a flurry of busyness and lots of extra activities, but who says we have to accept every opportunity and get swept up in the craziness? Who says November and December have to feel rushed and demanding instead of peaceful and joy-filled? We can slow down or remain steady and continue to maintain breathing room in our days and weeks. We can have a simple, pleasant season if we are mindful about what is truly needed and important.)<br />
<br />
I decided two days ago that I would spend all of my free morning the next day while both kids were in school focusing on my spiritual health and drawing closer to God. (Usually on Mondays I go to a yoga class I love, but last week I went to a different one on Wednesday that I enjoyed almost as much and decided afterward that it could be an acceptable substitute for Monday's class if I ever needed more flexibility in my routine. This made it infinitely easier to not go to this morning's class and instead be able to follow through with the idea of a spiritual health day.) Before I took J to preschool I prepared the front room (my chosen space) by putting my Immanuel/Gratitude Journal, other notebooks, the Bible and Jennie Allen's <i>Nothing to Prove</i> book near my chosen seat.<br />
<br />
I dropped J off and returned home, heading immediately to my red couch. I started by doing a brain dump of everything swirling in my mind onto a notebook page (mainly my to-do list). When I was finished, I meditated for a few minutes using an exercise to help me focus and relax - taking some deep breaths and then checking in to all five senses (what I could see, hear, feel, taste and smell). Then it was on to writing in my Immanuel/Gratitude Journal which I love. This exercise always helps reveal things in my heart I may not have realized. And, of course, this is where things took a turn away from <b>my</b> planned, productive morning with God (as is usually the case when truly meeting with God). While journaling, God showed me that I am still too busy and failing to rest, evidenced by the fact that I had created quite an agenda for my morning. He cited my to-do list and the stack of notebooks and books as proof that I struggle so much with resting. Below is an excerpt.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I appreciate your effort though you are still focusing too much on doing and not enough on just being and resting in my presence. You work too much. Rest more...Trust that any and all time with me is wisely used even if it doesn't check anything off of the to-do list...You feel pressure to constantly be doing but that is not from me. I invite you to come and rest. The enemy wants you to be too busy to love and serve, too overwhelmed and exhausted to be kind and generous and patient and present. Don't fall into his trap of busyness and performing to receive approval. You already have my approval...I am glad to teach you the unhurried rhythm of grace. Be content just to be with me...Trust me. Trust my ways...I can do something about your fear. You don't have to hurry through your day. Resting does not make you lazy. The world will not fall apart. I rested to show you that it is good and necessary. You do not have an endless supply of energy. Recharging is necessary; it's how I made you. I made you to be insufficient, to be not enough so you would see your need to depend on me and so that my power can be seen through you.</i></blockquote>
I want to use my time wisely and he reminded me that no time with him is wasted even if my to-do list remains undone. I have long struggled with being able to just rest and do nothing. I am driven by the clock and my to-do list and desire for accomplishment. It was convicting and encouraging to have God remind me that he sees me, he sees my striving, and he can give me true peace and rest if I will trust him and surrender in obedience.<br />
<br />
As my Immanuel Journaling time was winding down I was beginning to yawn and feel sleepy, relaxed even. The following internal dialogue occurred:<br />
<br />
Me 1: <i>Perhaps, I do need some real, physical rest.</i><br />
<i> </i>Me 2: <i>No, that's a waste of time.</i><br />
Me 1: <i>Perhaps this is an opportunity to trust God and be obedient.</i><br />
<i> </i>Me 2: <i>Well, perhaps. If it's a short one. Can God guarantee it'll only be about twenty minutes?</i><br />
<i> There are things to be done!</i><br />
Me 1: <i>No, God is not negotiating. He is simply asking me to exercise faith and trust.</i><br />
<i> Okay, God, make this time holy.</i><br />
<i><br /></i> So I managed to not look at my watch (miracle of miracles!) before I curled up on the little red couch I was sitting on and closed my eyes. I drifted in and out of consciousness, praying some, listening a bit to the sounds of the house. After awhile, my brain kicked back on more alert than before and I wondered how much time had passed. I was more easily able to avoid looking at my watch because it wouldn't be able to tell me anything useful. I decided the best thing would be to ignore clocks for the remainder of my morning and let my phone alarm alert me to when it was time to end my quiet morning and pick J up from preschool.<br />
<br />
I really need to become more relaxed with time. It's a compulsion to know what time it is or how much time remains before the next activity on the schedule. I should just sent alarms for the important things and not worry about exact time. Instead I use known time to try to squeeze in as much as I can. I can't relax because I am waiting for time to signal the next thing. In fact, before I started my spiritual time this morning, I thought perhaps I would get it all knocked out with enough time to do several things on my to-do list. It's an unhealthy habit and mindset. It keeps me from being fully present where and with who I am and cuts down on peace, rest and enjoyment of life.<br />
<br />
I loved our fall break at the beach when I kept my watch in a drawer for the week and just enjoyed where I was and what I was doing with minimal regard for time. It was glorious and I wish I could live like that all of the time. Perhaps there's something in between that's still healthy and would improve my quality of life.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-17033456295539529462016-11-03T04:00:00.000-07:002016-11-03T04:00:12.895-07:00October Goal ReviewOctober is over. It is the gear up toward the holiday season. It can be a lot of fun but also quite stressful. Let's see how my goals fared this month. If you want to read about previous months' successes and failures, click the appropriate month: <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/02/first-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">January</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/03/second-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">February</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/04/third-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">March</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/05/fourth-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">April</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/06/may-book-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">May</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/07/june-book-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">June</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/08/seventh-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">July</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/09/august-goal-review.html" target="_blank">August</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/10/september-goal-review.html" target="_blank">September</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>1. One arts and crafts time with the kids each month</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b> </b>We went to the beach last month and gathered quite a few shells during our week on the beach. My mother-in-law mentioned she might like an ornament of shells as a memento of our beach trip together. I thought it would be a great idea for our monthly arts and crafts time. The kids and I each made a personal ornament after creating a very special one for Grammy. Kaitlyn decided that shells were needed on the outside of the ornament as well as inside so I followed her instructions. I think they turned out well. It'll be nice to put the ornaments on the tree and remember our trip to PCB each Christmas season. (Side note: I love having ornaments that commemorate trips and special events/occasions. It's a fun trip down memory lane.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hn0lU-2Dg7cLDYp4hmAcFwTa6dZFMn2GzR8mzkVasfBUKtr7GWCZN3dnYzjEG0iyqB6394wcMPqFg95mF3ygMby6JFmG-zrnf4lkNw87kotEf-mMI08y4gn-ebgE-wp1W821fs75bsuC/s1600/ornament1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hn0lU-2Dg7cLDYp4hmAcFwTa6dZFMn2GzR8mzkVasfBUKtr7GWCZN3dnYzjEG0iyqB6394wcMPqFg95mF3ygMby6JFmG-zrnf4lkNw87kotEf-mMI08y4gn-ebgE-wp1W821fs75bsuC/s320/ornament1.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKru0rWrUHSdE-8gABjT3sTmc89JZISejahq6v6mK2IgWGMDow0OgDaocXXZwi3ByIVvO8fMgiMwwek3B1xEm9g5tKydz80VS4WQSDhE6vFZZr3-8OiqLpsI-H-s2aeGjfr0zthY11u3d/s1600/ornament2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKru0rWrUHSdE-8gABjT3sTmc89JZISejahq6v6mK2IgWGMDow0OgDaocXXZwi3ByIVvO8fMgiMwwek3B1xEm9g5tKydz80VS4WQSDhE6vFZZr3-8OiqLpsI-H-s2aeGjfr0zthY11u3d/s320/ornament2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4sOHwOVVsOTCHQe_ZYkc3Ze5RHOtAdfS8VucI6Gw9Xhsmq3xQ2A0HFFt7S0jFKEAVwdJnKdDEq9-4k58xo745xtycoqtEdD20b8WTmSDKwalDFlU3H5dWtGJ8G2HGY4INGAH-J5bQeTQ/s1600/ornament3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4sOHwOVVsOTCHQe_ZYkc3Ze5RHOtAdfS8VucI6Gw9Xhsmq3xQ2A0HFFt7S0jFKEAVwdJnKdDEq9-4k58xo745xtycoqtEdD20b8WTmSDKwalDFlU3H5dWtGJ8G2HGY4INGAH-J5bQeTQ/s320/ornament3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b> </b>At a later date, the kids requested more art time so I pulled out a bunch of supplies and let them have fun. In addition to some marker drawings, Kaitlyn used felt and buttons to make a couple of pieces.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCy0OP8DXYLw1GVzgvfDQYposVEytVCj0y-r63ULPSZ5KkZzx1dalC14U0wqfwRwzAlakQuR-sf422UaWPbRW2vs2D0zb_1GigC8KokOjQ-E0b7lOE0-3jOkVnXpy_CaM4aWgUoEaiWPXP/s1600/octart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCy0OP8DXYLw1GVzgvfDQYposVEytVCj0y-r63ULPSZ5KkZzx1dalC14U0wqfwRwzAlakQuR-sf422UaWPbRW2vs2D0zb_1GigC8KokOjQ-E0b7lOE0-3jOkVnXpy_CaM4aWgUoEaiWPXP/s320/octart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>2. Blog at least twice per month</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b> </b>I bit off more than I could chew last month with all of the blog posts. This month I managed to get myself into a busier-than-desirable schedule which has sent writing to the back-burner. I had a post that I had written awhile ago about <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/10/thoughts-of-my-grandparents.html" target="_blank">my grandparents</a> that I published later in the month. However, I just couldn't get motivated to write something new in October until the last day. I wanted to get <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-perfect-image.html" target="_blank">some thoughts</a> jotted down and figured I'd share it as well. I barely achieved this goal but barely is better than not, right?<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>3. Grow in gratitude, contentment and generosity</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b> </b>This month I continued my gratitude journaling. I did not do it as often as I previously have, probably averaging once or twice each week. Every time I do it I wonder why I don't do it every day. It is so encouraging and a great way to feel more connected to God. It helps my perspective of life to remember everything I have to be grateful for in my life.<br />
<br />
My family is in a bit of a transition right now so at times it's hard to feel content when I don't really feel settled in some parts of life. When I make time for expressing gratitude, I do feel more content with where I am. I am appreciative of all that I do have.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3Qa8jSBxFaoCAZe6JblNGKqsHcV_DPvNyE6mtEsP7aj0ghHxcEY1helxynAmd3GaavDoIAjLlIqQbsso3JnsimCWP4GdletIWdyKP-StBoKonrPrcBD5ciqLSSb6D5WsWwEQa6F3jsFe/s1600/occ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3Qa8jSBxFaoCAZe6JblNGKqsHcV_DPvNyE6mtEsP7aj0ghHxcEY1helxynAmd3GaavDoIAjLlIqQbsso3JnsimCWP4GdletIWdyKP-StBoKonrPrcBD5ciqLSSb6D5WsWwEQa6F3jsFe/s320/occ.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The kids and I put together two Operation Christmas Child boxes for children in other countries who might not otherwise receive gifts. It has become a tradition to put together one box for a girl about Kaitlyn's age and one for a boy about Jackson's age. It makes it easy to have the kids pick out gifts they would love to receive at Christmas themselves. This year Kaitlyn was given a page to fill out about herself and where she lives to include in the box. I helped Jackson fill out his and we included a family photo in each box as well. I like being able to include the kids in service and generosity toward others.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>So that's been my month. How has yours been? Are you already stressing out about the holiday season and how it might wreak havoc on your goals? Or is that just me? </i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-42666829324743861252016-11-01T04:00:00.000-07:002016-11-01T04:00:13.109-07:00October Book ReviewThere are only two months left in 2016 and they are the busiest two of the whole year. I don't anticipate having much time to read so I tried to get as much as I could in during October. I completed eight books. You can read more about them below. If you want to read previous months' book reads, click the appropriate link: <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/01/january-book-review.html" target="_blank">January</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/03/february-book-review.html" target="_blank">February</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/04/march-book-review.html" target="_blank">March</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/05/april-book-review.html" target="_blank">April</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/06/may-book-review.html" target="_blank">May</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/07/june-book-review.html" target="_blank">June</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/08/july-book-review.html" target="_blank">July</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/09/august-book-review.html" target="_blank">August</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/10/september-book-review.html" target="_blank">September</a>.<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
<b>1. When Breath Becomes Air</b> by <a href="http://paulkalanithi.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paul Kalanithi</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj859pexIjrTTGC5tuhZBzvpLVW5GcpuS45FBqZUC2Zi4PLCvomiune3MgKO3guaNUrLnFSQnxIXnq8oGL_SIaG6zUohsudG_eISFgUs6pCxgMWthxl39oB-VQnOVg5eAWIxyCCVRSWjqXk/s1600/when+breath+becomes+air.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj859pexIjrTTGC5tuhZBzvpLVW5GcpuS45FBqZUC2Zi4PLCvomiune3MgKO3guaNUrLnFSQnxIXnq8oGL_SIaG6zUohsudG_eISFgUs6pCxgMWthxl39oB-VQnOVg5eAWIxyCCVRSWjqXk/s320/when+breath+becomes+air.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<br />
I had heard a lot of positive recommendations but didn't know a thing about it until I started reading it. I actually thought it might be a fiction book. It is most definitely not. It is about a thirty-six year old neurosurgeon resident who received a lung cancer diagnosis during his last year of residency. Despite the depressing circumstances, I really liked the content of the book.<br />
The first half of the book focuses on his life before the diagnosis. I learned about his family history, his college passions and experiences and his experiences in med school and residency. I found it fascinating his experiences, his reasons for taking the path he chose, as well as the way his experiences changed his understanding of the mind, personage and death.<br />
The second half talks about his life after the diagnosis with the last part being written by his wife to share what he was not able to recount because he passed away. It is inspiring all that he learned from his experiences and so eloquently shares with us through his book. It causes you to think about how you are spending your life and what might be the best use of one's unknown amount of time on earth.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear</b> by <a href="http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elizabeth Gilbert</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tLFDCLQ2RJbBwbR8Hadpn6K6uvUxzkgYj-4M8qSpDCT_VJVswDhkVBS54JdVT-B1woQ6_p1KZxLvXD0g078bZvHqfXTVgBL0jjt0nzrnxHolq52peLEB8ywRyh7v5SwV6uTy1-dG_3pA/s1600/big+magic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tLFDCLQ2RJbBwbR8Hadpn6K6uvUxzkgYj-4M8qSpDCT_VJVswDhkVBS54JdVT-B1woQ6_p1KZxLvXD0g078bZvHqfXTVgBL0jjt0nzrnxHolq52peLEB8ywRyh7v5SwV6uTy1-dG_3pA/s320/big+magic.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
A lot of people had said good things about this book as well. I didn't care much for <i>Eat, Pray, Love</i> but thought I'd check it out since I heard it reminded the reader that they already have permission to create. It seemed like a good book to read while I am in the process of pursuing writing with more purpose and dedication.<br />
I found it to be an inspirational and encouraging book for anyone who is interested in pursuing a passion in their life. I did not agree with everything she said or thought but found a lot of helpful information, including the reminder that we do not need permission to pursue our passions; we were created with passion and creativity as part of our makeup. If you have a dream you desire to pursue but need some encouragement, motivation or inspiration, definitely check out the book.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Setting Their Hope in God: Biblical Intercession for Your Children </b>by Andrew Case<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyb42qBGC4TY3v79VFC74TcTVpifHWEdCpS0bRWIbNdoEdmPanTc1L44aKBOiBbhX2AAyxRu4F7V3fYCCTCkOZHtA3C9FXxzoGouKLzRM0y1brpKqeL9oQ4BksJlwVyHQelG7TU1YeNha/s1600/hope+in+god.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyb42qBGC4TY3v79VFC74TcTVpifHWEdCpS0bRWIbNdoEdmPanTc1L44aKBOiBbhX2AAyxRu4F7V3fYCCTCkOZHtA3C9FXxzoGouKLzRM0y1brpKqeL9oQ4BksJlwVyHQelG7TU1YeNha/s320/hope+in+god.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a book that contains numerous prayers for parents to pray for and with their children. Interspersed among the prayers are quotes about prayer - it's purpose, benefits, etc. I enjoyed having a daily reminder and opportunity to pray for my children. I am not always great at making intentional, purposeful prayer time for my children. This enabled me to think about them and their needs and have directed prayer that could lead me into more specific prayers for each of my children. It was an enjoyable exercise that I usually did shortly before bed.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Love Warrior: A Memoir </b>by <a href="http://momastery.com/blog/about-glennon/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Glennon Doyle Melton</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip20neOKqpQTGRttyHkHFLKAe9y2KHK7PodcvP7RckljtviLiYSeqMvbBX0Vi2s-KbCwcbuAjQ10ruNN9Sf6PxM5WUPEwAkhZ5KEppMGeudcVnjzyK1ME6dEL_mpGkqqU2bkaXU3FRImIP/s1600/love+warrior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip20neOKqpQTGRttyHkHFLKAe9y2KHK7PodcvP7RckljtviLiYSeqMvbBX0Vi2s-KbCwcbuAjQ10ruNN9Sf6PxM5WUPEwAkhZ5KEppMGeudcVnjzyK1ME6dEL_mpGkqqU2bkaXU3FRImIP/s320/love+warrior.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
I had read <i>Carry On, Warrior</i> several years ago and enjoyed it. I was not a regular visitor to Momastery so most of the essays were new to me. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect in this book. I had heard that it would be a chronicle of Glennon's marriage to Craig. Anyone familiar with Momastery would know the bones of the story - how Glennon found herself pregnant and at rock bottom and choosing to start fresh for the sake of her baby, how she and Craig chose to marry, that there was some News a few years ago that Craig shared with Glennon that they had to work through.<br />
The gist of the story was known, but it was very interesting to have the details fleshed out and to learn more of Glennon's history, the pivotal moments in her life and the origin of the sayings attributed to her (We can do hard things. Do the next right step.) I was a little uncomfortable during parts of the story. I felt that the book resolved well and contained quite a bit of encouragement and inspiration for the reader. If you like Glennon's previous writing or have followed her for awhile, you would probably enjoy this book.<br />
<br />
<b>5. At Home in Mitford </b>by <a href="http://www.mitfordbooks.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jan Karon</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheU_p8sqFd-rg7cx3tThGOaw5oU3KQ5GbiKWoq7BgqTlJ9mCE5vZKjllGhhgGhhLay_r4_htlKDRBAYdAKfgS5ftTyeGBlzl0utlHnybyidN6eo2w9qO-qe8sGb-TbXxdSl6EuTe6S8Uib/s1600/mitford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheU_p8sqFd-rg7cx3tThGOaw5oU3KQ5GbiKWoq7BgqTlJ9mCE5vZKjllGhhgGhhLay_r4_htlKDRBAYdAKfgS5ftTyeGBlzl0utlHnybyidN6eo2w9qO-qe8sGb-TbXxdSl6EuTe6S8Uib/s320/mitford.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
A friend of mine said that this was one of her favorite book series. I trust her opinion so I decided to check it out. I haven't read a lot of Christian fiction lately. I got kind of burned out on some of the authors and genres within Christian fiction. This one, however, was quite refreshing and unlike what I've read this year.<br />
This book (the first of <i>The Mitford Series</i>) follows the daily life of Father Tim, an Episcopal priest in the small town of Mitford, North Carolina. The reader experiences the daily, unpredictable schedule of the rector as he seeks to care for his parishioners and members of his town. He acquires a stray dog who is disciplined by scripture, a rambunctious boy whose grandfather is stricken with pneumonia and many secrets of the inhabitants of Mitford.<br />
I became fond of all of the characters in the book and enjoyed the twists and turns of the story the author led me on. When the book ended, I had so many questions about various characters and want to know what happens next. Thankfully there are twelve other books in this series so hopefully I will get to become even more acquainted with and delighted by this town. The book is an uplifting and encouraging read that makes me yearn for small town living.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Listen, Love, Repeat: Other-Centered Living in a Self-Centered World </b>by <a href="http://www.karenehman.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Karen Ehman</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ICtLlIT62fmSqcW3SAemb2UVial6A6dq-9uEig3H7GdypWANjhw2nxaA8hiEYJ_IJezGZkuUXLIbjKcQ8938A13jdRYqABVDHc6GnT3P8j3uTrF1cwfGU-rxNIcYR-Hh-c7NyWKMLTVC/s1600/listen+love+repeat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ICtLlIT62fmSqcW3SAemb2UVial6A6dq-9uEig3H7GdypWANjhw2nxaA8hiEYJ_IJezGZkuUXLIbjKcQ8938A13jdRYqABVDHc6GnT3P8j3uTrF1cwfGU-rxNIcYR-Hh-c7NyWKMLTVC/s320/listen+love+repeat.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<br />
I saw a Facebook posting about applying for the launch team for this book. The title of it struck me and I knew I had to check out the book. I received a PDF of the book to read and review but I love the message so much that I have pre-ordered a copy of it for myself (it <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Listen-Love-Repeat-Other-Centered-Self-Centered/dp/0310339677/ref=cm_wl_huc_item" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">releases November 15th</a>) to be able to have on hand and re-read as I anticipate doing regularly.<br />
This book is full of helpful and doable advice about loving the people in our life. She shares her experiences with looking for opportunities to love and serve others in meaningful ways. She reminds us that the purpose of our love and service is to reflect Jesus. She is such a genuine and caring person, like a mentor you didn't know you needed. Her words resonated with me and encouraged me as I desire to live out God's greatest commandment of loving him and loving others.<br />
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who desires to know how to better love those around them - family, friends, kids' friends, neighbors, co-workers, and the "necessary" people in our lives (mail carrier, garbage service, teachers, etc).<br />
<br />
<b>7. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft</b> by <a href="http://stephenking.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stephen King</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDBiLy182saDnRkSgBxnJJ4g9MSyqGXG0q7Gzo_DBfyXp-OZV1en2C95S-gPmkgcOBHihsWn0ty2ode3QJeb4DHjas5-PQ1tHY_74oDR_uObqZDaJyApCKJe5ky_Uy3xxZAMHIx2MCuOB/s1600/on+writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDBiLy182saDnRkSgBxnJJ4g9MSyqGXG0q7Gzo_DBfyXp-OZV1en2C95S-gPmkgcOBHihsWn0ty2ode3QJeb4DHjas5-PQ1tHY_74oDR_uObqZDaJyApCKJe5ky_Uy3xxZAMHIx2MCuOB/s1600/on+writing.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I had heard that this was a great book for writers, fiction or non-fiction. It is part autobiography, part information and advice. I really enjoyed hearing about Stephen King's life and his interest in writing from an early age. I enjoyed hearing about his writing process and how he fleshes out ideas.<br />
I do not have a desire to write fiction but a lot of his writing information is applicable to writers of all types. I have read one of his fiction books and watched a couple of the movies adapted from his books. Horror is not my genre of choice for books or movies but my genre preference does not matter as far as receiving useful information from this book. If you are a writer or desire to improve your writing skills, I would definitely recommend reading this book.<br />
<br />
<b>8. First Comes Love</b> by Emily Giffin<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KFywnrbZV1UCuyd7GSvU7nTrtbKVNfXFaRj5ADMh5VLEa09ra33QjpeeWkVw5EwNZh0jejIrJty32td83Sywb157estKpvL-ycZkQnoicqOaHMXcWekAGN0njzRUJy735OYJeygFCvA9/s1600/first+comes+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KFywnrbZV1UCuyd7GSvU7nTrtbKVNfXFaRj5ADMh5VLEa09ra33QjpeeWkVw5EwNZh0jejIrJty32td83Sywb157estKpvL-ycZkQnoicqOaHMXcWekAGN0njzRUJy735OYJeygFCvA9/s320/first+comes+love.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
I think I have read one of her other books but was not familiar with her style and storytelling. I knew she was a Georgia author and I loved that this book was set in Atlanta so I recognized the places mentioned. This book is told from the alternating perspective of two sisters, Josie and Meredith. Fifteen years ago their older brother Daniel was killed in a car accident and it has affected their relationships with one another and others. Meredith sees Josie as irresponsible and self-absorbed while Josie views Meredith as a judgmental perfectionist. Josie's been carrying around a secret that may completely tear their family apart.<br />
I enjoyed the two-person perspective as it allows the reader to see each person's strengths and weaknesses. I had no idea what the secret might be and enjoyed learning about each sister's lives and their own fears and concerns. It was a good story that held my attention throughout the book. It's a good fiction read.<br />
<br />
<b><i>I am amazed that I finished six non-fiction books this month! Some of them I had begun in September (or earlier in one case) so it's perhaps not as impressive as if I'd read them from cover to cover in October. It was a fairly diverse selection of books. They all had something beneficial to share with me. How many books did you finish in October? Please share any that you would recommend!</i></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-49786347187724731612016-10-31T05:37:00.001-07:002016-10-31T05:37:28.306-07:00The Perfect Image I have been wondering lately whether I project the image of having it all together. I don't feel like many people think I have struggles. I don't know whether this is me trying to project a specific image or if it's because I prefer to share concerns and issues with people who have become close, trusted friends. I realize that I have shared some struggles here on my blog which would be considered public. I don't have a solid answer to reconcile this with my previous statement. We'll have to be okay with the contradiction.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzihwY3ov9ktypo9Aj_NrBt4uI1k0FHsSNZNVWSD8LHYQzzlB_oHXdoUWwCDpzpF6pD31uulY1hK-QizeyMrqfEZGf8dn6Vhrhp_PpZVjV5CpcmL658AGt81VXOzERoWLp8zrqS5sq_NA2/s1600/the+perfect+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzihwY3ov9ktypo9Aj_NrBt4uI1k0FHsSNZNVWSD8LHYQzzlB_oHXdoUWwCDpzpF6pD31uulY1hK-QizeyMrqfEZGf8dn6Vhrhp_PpZVjV5CpcmL658AGt81VXOzERoWLp8zrqS5sq_NA2/s320/the+perfect+image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I do not have it all together. Big shocker, right? I worry too much about what others think (or might be thinking). I care too much about fitting in with what a perfect mom and wife look like. Deep down I know there's no such thing, but it doesn't keep me from striving for this goal. I can be petty and choose to nurse hurts because I want sympathy (of course I tend to keep these inside which kind of defeats the purpose and instead gives me a negative outlook, poisoning me from the inside). I struggle often with letting go of my own desires, wants, agenda so that I can be available to love and serve others, including my family.<br />
<br />
There is a tension in me, and possibly in all parents, where I desire to care well for my family and myself but feel like I am constantly failing one or the other. I wonder if putting my son in lunch bunch so that I can have an extra hour of kid-free time is selfish or self-aware. I have been learning how much my parenting (and capacity for love and patience) is affected by whether I make time to do things that refresh and restore me. I know that when I begin to feel panicky, stressed and impatient it means I have neglected to rest and rejuvenate. Alternately, when I do take time to do things that fill me up, I am much more kind, gentle and able to focus on others. I still haven't figured out a good balance. I don't know if balance is even possible. I do know that I want to be healthy and a good role model for my kids so I need to continue to work this out.<br />
<br />
I feel like I am under spiritual attack right now. My thoughts are scattered. I am struggling to concentrate in prayer and reading the Bible. I don't know if he's trying to make me ineffective by causing stress, anxiety and panic. I don't know why this is happening right now. But I am calling him out. Jesus is for me. He is with me. He will never leave me. If I focus on him and drawing closer to him, perhaps my anxiety will subside and peace will take it's place. We are, after all, told to pray about everything and express thanksgiving and we will receive peace that passes understanding.<br />
<br />
Lord, I am anxious and burdened. I don't know why I am feeling this way but I know that you have peace that can replace this anxiousness. Please remind me that you are with me and fill me with your peace. Help me to rest in your promises and be reminded of your faithfulness and your love for me. You are for me. Thank you for creating me and for giving me worth and purpose. Thank you for my family, for my friends, for your word that instructs, encourages and reminds me of your love. I am grateful that you are in control. Please help me to lay down my plans and desires and surrender all I have to your capable hands and perfect will. Lord, I trust that you will bring good from all circumstances. I pray that I would be faithful to you and quick to respond to your leading. Lord, I need you. I cannot have a fruitful life without you. You are my rock and my salvation. Restore your servant who trusts in you. I am so grateful that you hear me and that you are available to listen at all times. I pray that you would be glorified in and through me. Have your way in me. In Jesus' name, Amen.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-79992000840802416432016-10-21T04:00:00.000-07:002016-10-21T04:00:07.758-07:00Thoughts of My Grandparents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgC-4WnFrRvyPvOnjCrhPw9wO3eiUi5CX9lNn5OR92_7STsNdMVvo7-lX8fuwKHYlGgWHZ2zP-3lfEq6lH-DroiSIGFJRgiFK-mZNxMZ-ENc6ZNkbkqamZ4RId0V0ZQxB0MHnUICG4-Z_/s1600/grandparents2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgC-4WnFrRvyPvOnjCrhPw9wO3eiUi5CX9lNn5OR92_7STsNdMVvo7-lX8fuwKHYlGgWHZ2zP-3lfEq6lH-DroiSIGFJRgiFK-mZNxMZ-ENc6ZNkbkqamZ4RId0V0ZQxB0MHnUICG4-Z_/s320/grandparents2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My maternal grandmother (and last grandparent) passed away a little over six years ago, two days before her 86th birthday. For some reason I have been thinking a lot about her this year. On her birthday I remembered when she used to talk about Grandpa Dave (her husband) being excited about turning 92 (he died about a month before that milestone, I believe). I can hear her imitating him, saying, "I'm 92!" (which I learned this year was actually a saying that came from further up the ancestor ladder). This year she would have reached 92 years of age herself.<br />
<br />
My grandmother and grandfather liked to square dance. In fact, I think they might have met each other at a square dance hall. One summer when my brother and I were visiting them, they taught us the basics and took us with them to dance one evening. I was nervous about dancing with a bunch of strangers but it was fun.<br />
<br />
I have so many fond memories of spending summers with them at their farm house, helping with the garden, swimming in the creek, waking up and seeing deer outside my bedroom window. I can still mentally navigate their old, yellow house. Drew and I used to walk (and sometimes take turns pulling each other in the wagon) the loooong gravel road from their house out to the road to get the mail.<br />
<br />
Whenever I hear big band music, I think of my grandmother. She taught me how to play <i>Heart and Soul</i> on the piano. We would usually bake something new together each summer and she'd help me copy the recipe card for my collection. My brother and I sometimes slept in a tent under the plum trees in the yard, played with lawn darts and receive a nickel for every white cabbage-eating moth we caught.<br />
<br />
I remember popping puff balls off of the big oak tree in the back yard. Watching the gigantic satellite dish turn as it tried to find "Salute Your Shorts" or "Get Smart". One scoop each of Umpqua's chocolate ice cream and orange sherbet for dessert. Drew and I splitting a three o'clock snack ("Don't tell your mother!").<br />
<br />
I was sad that my grandmother was never able to meet my children. Kaitlyn was just under two months old when she died. I know she got to see a picture of her but I know she would have "gotten a kick out of" all of her great-grandchildren. I miss her (and her many colloquialisms) a lot.<br />
<br />
My kids are following in the steps of my brother and I by hopping on a plane in the summer to trek out west and spend time with their maternal grandparents and extended family. Pretty soon they'll be flying out there without us and having a blast, making many wonderful memories like we did. I know they'll forge deep relationships and have experiences that they'll treasure throughout their lives.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I'll continue to think fondly of my grandparents and adventures shared. I'll pass along some Grandmaisms to my own kids in remembrance of her spunk. Hey, it's better than a stick in the eye!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfJPOaot5lLo8AqdZk-2tCKE7QDW3YynHFwrY19iu8ljoPuIomDLg0NoD6YDOVyuqJbvSE3q2UmZaQXhyphenhyphen9M-j-X5NwNgyEby99QUtz-xt7wL8tthXE0dXVkoe2rgW50bzcncYbTti_VVD/s1600/gma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfJPOaot5lLo8AqdZk-2tCKE7QDW3YynHFwrY19iu8ljoPuIomDLg0NoD6YDOVyuqJbvSE3q2UmZaQXhyphenhyphen9M-j-X5NwNgyEby99QUtz-xt7wL8tthXE0dXVkoe2rgW50bzcncYbTti_VVD/s320/gma.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-9155337276785886462016-10-05T04:00:00.000-07:002016-10-05T04:00:26.802-07:00September Book ReviewWe are now officially into fall which is exciting! Cooler weather, leaves changing, football, pumpkins and apples. All of that invites me to cozy up under a blanket with a good book (even though it's still 90 degrees outside). This month I cozied up with five books. You can read more about them below. If you want to read previous months' book reads, click the appropriate link: <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/01/january-book-review.html" target="_blank">January</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/03/february-book-review.html" target="_blank">February</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/04/march-book-review.html" target="_blank">March</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/05/april-book-review.html" target="_blank">April</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/06/may-book-review.html" target="_blank">May</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/07/june-book-review.html" target="_blank">June</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/08/july-book-review.html" target="_blank">July</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/09/august-book-review.html" target="_blank">August</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>1. Made Well: Finding Wholeness in the Everyday Sacred Moments </b>by <a href="http://www.jennysimmons.com/jenny/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jenny Simmons</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgqFTE2kfROan-T68YZpLLtcGSUackF_VYbrJqqbPEkiJR1CH3o36Vh3vUzD5n1ZdV0XJo3_yTiE_i8jY5FgrGdC7h0GeXdoD32vg_IfAU4mPWgQv1kUFeHXbCs6kSriIshORhVX9KKfE/s1600/made+well.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgqFTE2kfROan-T68YZpLLtcGSUackF_VYbrJqqbPEkiJR1CH3o36Vh3vUzD5n1ZdV0XJo3_yTiE_i8jY5FgrGdC7h0GeXdoD32vg_IfAU4mPWgQv1kUFeHXbCs6kSriIshORhVX9KKfE/s320/made+well.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<br />
This book was so good and encouraging! I'm in the process of finding healing and wholeness and this was a welcome read as I continue on this journey. Jenny talks about the tension between the heartache of death and the hope of resurrection. She shares stories from her life and from her family and friends that share the journey of navigating life through the hope of Jesus despite hardships. So many of the themes are relevant to my life right now. I would highly encourage this book to everyone (despite the shortness of the review - there's so much goodness inside I don't know where to start)! You can read a more in depth <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/09/made-well-healthy-and-healing-are-not.html" target="_blank">review in another post</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: It's Impossible to Be Spiritually Mature While Remaining Emotionally Immature</b> by <a href="http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peter Scazzero</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHqnX0LQfIc5zFtYYmoZrxfo5loZRWm6gsQIYKcBEiFl9PTvEexZEyJa4uEIgAXjMvEp0jX_1fShKdGEIzSlS0nUYW2c_gvz2pQZ0khalFtAcgQSyimr7SsufmuN91sKqh_wHJgJw2bV4/s1600/emotionally+healthy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHqnX0LQfIc5zFtYYmoZrxfo5loZRWm6gsQIYKcBEiFl9PTvEexZEyJa4uEIgAXjMvEp0jX_1fShKdGEIzSlS0nUYW2c_gvz2pQZ0khalFtAcgQSyimr7SsufmuN91sKqh_wHJgJw2bV4/s320/emotionally+healthy.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
<br />
I heard about this book on an episode of <i><a href="http://jamieivey.com/category/podcast-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Happy Hour by Jamie Ivey</a> </i>podcast. Her guest said that this was a book she was recommending everyone to read. I love Christian non-fiction book so I added it to my to-read list. I received it for my birthday and finally got to it on my list. The book is so good! It was open, honest and encouraging. It has practical advice on how to grow in your emotional health including prompts to help you see where you are on your journey and exercises to practice. It is a wonderful book that I highlighted extensively and will be referencing again. I appreciated Peter's vulnerability in sharing examples of his own journey toward emotionally healthy spirituality. I would highly recommend this book!<br />
<br />
<b>3. Inferno: A Novel</b> by <a href="http://danbrown.wpengine.com/inferno/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dan Brown</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkKzmvsAVy7JvYr2p3-E-b67V41YkR8LYz-zckI2xxsZA2mkkcU0EWNGHkv8YhNPt-bFLFeGf0X4PKxMqYO7IZxD4ZlPoEVOMW3xnmdh0LBkRRlzOSh_SeUP7wu0cR_BPF0j79hUtecJd/s1600/inferno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkKzmvsAVy7JvYr2p3-E-b67V41YkR8LYz-zckI2xxsZA2mkkcU0EWNGHkv8YhNPt-bFLFeGf0X4PKxMqYO7IZxD4ZlPoEVOMW3xnmdh0LBkRRlzOSh_SeUP7wu0cR_BPF0j79hUtecJd/s320/inferno.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
<br />
I saw that another Robert Langdon novel was becoming a movie. It looked action-packed so I knew I needed to read it before it came out (though I probably won't see it until it's available on demand because we don't go to the movies often). I was sucked into the story immediately and raced through it wanting to know what was happening next. I had hoped that it would be my fiction read for the beach but in my quest to find out what was happening, I finished it the night before our trip.<br />
<br />
In the book we find Langdon waking up in a hospital in Florence with an apparent head wound from being shot at and amnesia from the injury. He doesn't know why he's been shot but he's afraid that he has done something terrible. One of the doctors at the hospital helps him escape and together they try to figure out what is going on, why Langdon is in Italy and what his pursuers want. It was a thrill ride that kept me guessing and trying to figure out who was trustworthy and what Robert was trying to discover. If you liked the other Langdon novels, this one should not disappoint.<br />
<br />
<b>4. The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo</b> by <a href="http://www.amyschumer.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amy Schumer</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEOmBpXNF_RowIAR_c1dot4NQillH0FvwtDzGOMwIPJBdivuSk23KALs4uUubMPRTL62o9B33BjrryaqLK5McaJ20WcB02MfaBp2HK3zEXtUGyB4u9PZYA8SHIlcYc7hbrSvgM0SpKFEQ/s1600/back+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEOmBpXNF_RowIAR_c1dot4NQillH0FvwtDzGOMwIPJBdivuSk23KALs4uUubMPRTL62o9B33BjrryaqLK5McaJ20WcB02MfaBp2HK3zEXtUGyB4u9PZYA8SHIlcYc7hbrSvgM0SpKFEQ/s320/back+tattoo.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
I first heard of Amy Schumer when my husband and I were watching <i>Last Comic Standing</i>. I really enjoyed her confidence and personality. I know her humor tends to be more crude than people appreciate. Because of this reputation I was hesitant to watch <i>Trainwreck.</i> I really like Bill Hader so we watched it when it came to HBO. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and was quite surprised at how much I did. When I saw she was publishing an autobiographical-type book I was interested to read it and learn more about her as a person. I took it with me to the beach for fall break.<br />
I enjoyed the book and learning about the parallels between her real life and her movie. I did not know that so much was based on her experiences (I also didn't know that she co-wrote it with her sister). I felt like I got to know Amy Schumer the person better and get a glimpse behind her stand-up comic personality. She spoke truthfully about a lot of things I could relate to - mainly being a woman. I am glad that I read it. I have more respect and compassion for Amy know that I know more about her and her life experiences. If you are able to read a book with a decent amount of foul and vulgar language then I would think you'd find it a good read. If that language offends you, then probably skip this one. <br />
<br />
<b>5. The Nesting Place: It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful</b> by <a href="http://thenester.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Myquillyn Smith</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYnomNg2wZ6CZo9accgbdcYYeEbMuMQt037eInokvnktgneHQSw_oYDgoLNuGL5p-g4l-_fR8uHb-SZmsCD2VyL8l8wLAeEhvz2AN19CjYtzbKt1vUEyZSiIacM_Aazax-sOEhFclBrNP/s1600/the+nesting+place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYnomNg2wZ6CZo9accgbdcYYeEbMuMQt037eInokvnktgneHQSw_oYDgoLNuGL5p-g4l-_fR8uHb-SZmsCD2VyL8l8wLAeEhvz2AN19CjYtzbKt1vUEyZSiIacM_Aazax-sOEhFclBrNP/s320/the+nesting+place.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
This book was a recommendation from Jen Hatmaker (not personally, just something she wrote about online). I am a homeowner with limited expertise in decorating but I still want a home that makes me smile so I am interested in books that speak to the averagely skilled person. Jen had shown her room makeover with the help of the book (her office) which I happened to get to see last year and loved (it's so cozy and inviting!). This seemed like a book for me.<br />
I LOVED this book! Myquillyn has manageable ideas and suggestions. Her advice is full of wisdom and experience. She encourages us to not be frozen by fear of failure or imperfection and find things that make our house homey. Not everyone has the same style and that's okay. In addition to decorating/DIY tips she also gave sound advice about ridding ourselves of fear, discontentment, and comparison (among other things). It is a book for the heart and the home. I checked it out of the library but I may have to acquire my own physical copy because it contains so much goodness. It is definitely one I recommend.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>My total of completed books for the year is now up to 60! Please tell me about a book you read in September. I keep telling myself that I am going to stop purchasing books or borrowing them from the library until I read all of the ones I already have, but I just can't help myself! Do you have this "problem" as well?</i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-32306807911366526662016-10-03T04:00:00.000-07:002016-10-03T04:00:09.910-07:00September Goal Review<span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">We are officially into fall and it's once again time to check in on my goals for the year. You can read about previous months by clicking the links: </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/02/first-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">January</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/03/second-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">February</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/04/third-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">March</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/05/fourth-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">April</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/06/may-book-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">May</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/07/june-book-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">June</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "cantarell"; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, </span><a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/08/seventh-month-goal-review.html" style="background-color: white; color: #774aa8; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">July</a>, <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/09/august-goal-review.html" target="_blank">August</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>1. One arts and crafts time with the kids each month</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I wanted to do something fall related as I love the season but I didn't have a lot of time to come up with something. I decided it might be fun for the kids to make leaf rubbings so I gathered some leaves from around the yard. While they waited for me to get set up they worked on creating additional pictures. They seemed to enjoy leaf rubbing but it did not keep their attention long. .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PVWX-OPzJAqwjiPUGc3doiU2LgWvSfiLanG-6mhlTOgSCiTHOCP6VBxgw-oNtgAEBDBtyq5aewACmQ3SetJ-EipUrvsAyL9vpZu0f6CKd2cWKcn7w0fIItK6LKRb2PTpJC2OGsSVHcDc/s1600/k+rubbing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PVWX-OPzJAqwjiPUGc3doiU2LgWvSfiLanG-6mhlTOgSCiTHOCP6VBxgw-oNtgAEBDBtyq5aewACmQ3SetJ-EipUrvsAyL9vpZu0f6CKd2cWKcn7w0fIItK6LKRb2PTpJC2OGsSVHcDc/s320/k+rubbing.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_YQJmfPpzCoEVSdGVwBEGlM-zL4BZjbOU2YV89A-YGKF3pxwXrGUh6QfLzEXUSJ4U-72itoDpR2BpIRcxZUd1wMw7oL8CqaEGTwB_Q6wH5dR9pvUvZr0czmq354F17VUqvD73FwHQsK1/s1600/j+crayon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_YQJmfPpzCoEVSdGVwBEGlM-zL4BZjbOU2YV89A-YGKF3pxwXrGUh6QfLzEXUSJ4U-72itoDpR2BpIRcxZUd1wMw7oL8CqaEGTwB_Q6wH5dR9pvUvZr0czmq354F17VUqvD73FwHQsK1/s320/j+crayon.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think J's favorite part was removing the paper from the crayons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclYfCsvmMLLjJCkRxGRq2hAZBYRH9pLP8V9hjQzDDepDjjGtR5FbqOCxI6kArY7fKxFqEONx4iU3f5M12c827oaeWvV7ejxFJWSRW4s0KedLPUz42YCxwJj8znZ06QfU84imhaqC-wh_F/s1600/leaf+rubbings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclYfCsvmMLLjJCkRxGRq2hAZBYRH9pLP8V9hjQzDDepDjjGtR5FbqOCxI6kArY7fKxFqEONx4iU3f5M12c827oaeWvV7ejxFJWSRW4s0KedLPUz42YCxwJj8znZ06QfU84imhaqC-wh_F/s320/leaf+rubbings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiT-CiE1P8Jj7JBAQ5SnxALzsrJkC4LIy4wjBWuX9J_K-hZsyhw6OYlfbM84Mm7VAxoih1OYSwPV-6BtTdMefKs328hyphenhyphenDYP3Qqt-WnJW6mdYCUCevxIIfxSBP0Bh76vPAhdALXxoMv72dp/s1600/self+portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiT-CiE1P8Jj7JBAQ5SnxALzsrJkC4LIy4wjBWuX9J_K-hZsyhw6OYlfbM84Mm7VAxoih1OYSwPV-6BtTdMefKs328hyphenhyphenDYP3Qqt-WnJW6mdYCUCevxIIfxSBP0Bh76vPAhdALXxoMv72dp/s320/self+portrait.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self-portrait!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>2. Blog at least twice per month</b><br />
<b><br /></b> For the month of September I decided to participate in all of the Friday Five writing prompts given over at <a href="http://mrsdisciple.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MrsDisciple</a>. I had fun writing about <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/09/i-quit-five-things-i-want-to-remove.html" target="_blank">quitting</a> as well as <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/09/five-influential-women-ive-met.html" target="_blank">women</a> and <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/09/things-ive-learned-from-men-in-my-life.html" target="_blank">men I admire</a>. The <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/09/oh-places-youll-goon-internet.html" target="_blank">bookmarks post</a> was fairly easy and did not require as much emotional involvement. The <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/09/trauma-often-leads-to-tears.html" target="_blank">crying prompt</a>, however, was challenging. It took me a bit to figure out what to write about. I am glad that I gave myself this challenge. I don't know whether publishing a post once per week is too much with all of my other responsibilities. I'm still working out all of my responsibilities and time management. I do enjoy writing and sharing I just don't want it to take away from my family. I also wrote a post about a <a href="http://mybyrdlife.blogspot.com/2016/09/made-well-healthy-and-healing-are-not.html" target="_blank">great book</a> I read recently.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVcWzfefrj7XnQyUH1J6SLs3_AW8VLghnk_XV9aDFQjdiIeVcQHrAaKrbVeNiG6BTspegKEld2jx3_jhIUY5AFrL-oRH_L5rkKFfQ6hRjUaFmf_M5vCArHLzfjl0Aysxm6wDMRVjWeZ_r/s1600/Sept+Friday+Five.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVcWzfefrj7XnQyUH1J6SLs3_AW8VLghnk_XV9aDFQjdiIeVcQHrAaKrbVeNiG6BTspegKEld2jx3_jhIUY5AFrL-oRH_L5rkKFfQ6hRjUaFmf_M5vCArHLzfjl0Aysxm6wDMRVjWeZ_r/s320/Sept+Friday+Five.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>3. Grow in gratitude, contentment and generosity</b><br />
<b><br /></b> I do feel like I have a more thankful heart toward God this month. I do still have negative mental rants here and there but it seems that a lot of my prayers include thanksgiving toward God for who he is, his faithfulness and his provision. I have written in my gratitude journal at least once per week. I am trying to appreciate the people in my life and the ways they bless and help me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKY8zyflAInTUifKFmTIS2MH4Xce8uJemsptOcPCjlFFrY9P56gtc5zfoLLmy20wIWBhE4aUNoQFysP5paZ4leiALmiesTA9OrBQRU_rKBz5gBbfx5ycY9agiZ4D9aes9ug-oulu5k-Wg/s1600/fall+decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKY8zyflAInTUifKFmTIS2MH4Xce8uJemsptOcPCjlFFrY9P56gtc5zfoLLmy20wIWBhE4aUNoQFysP5paZ4leiALmiesTA9OrBQRU_rKBz5gBbfx5ycY9agiZ4D9aes9ug-oulu5k-Wg/s320/fall+decor.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that my fall decor helps me to remember gratitude.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I do feel fairly content with where I am. I am in a bit of transition at the moment but I am confident that God will bring me through and the result will be positive. I have what I need and appreciate what I have.<br />
<br />
I have been trying to continue to be generous to those around me with time, thoughtfulness, gifts, and encouragement. I could grow in the generousness of my grace and in thinking the best of those I come in contact with. I need to continue to believe that everyone is doing the best they can and that, if I am witnessing unkindness, then they must be having a bad day and the behavior is an anomaly. That's the kind of grace I would like to receive. I am not usually purposefully unkind or ungracious to others but I have bad days and bad moments.<br />
<br />
My verse memorization has fallen to the back burner. I love God's word and am encouraged by it but keeping this on my plate would be more stressful than helpful right now. Verse memorization tends to come in spurts in various seasons. I know I'll get back to it again for awhile and then take another break. I still know a lot of verses by heart that encourage me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>September's a wrap. How did the month go for you? Did you start a new goal? Let go of an old goal that is just too much write now? What did you accomplish or start in September that you're excited about? Tell me!</i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-11228421967632023262016-09-30T04:00:00.000-07:002016-09-30T04:00:00.142-07:00Things I've Learned From the Men in my Life When I first started thinking about this writing prompt I was a little stumped. In recent years I have surrounded myself with some amazing women. I've been in Bible studies with them, mom groups, tennis teams, authors of books I've read. I could think of a vast number of women I admire. It took a little more time for my mind to think about the men in my life and how they have impacted me. I enjoyed the challenge and what I recalled from thinking about influences in my life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixv4X_3Zy5_gngmfbvHSd8ntOXrrFrcNFJ3tC6ucGM8czMh3vtGdJPZsUJw_MNxqmNX9tGJ0UgC70_9qCAZW2t-Bf5m9r7RpZzeW0rrgeHXd_BBYoOqr-NjZMu3vsSPUzZepuZ_HjAng6C/s1600/men+i+admire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixv4X_3Zy5_gngmfbvHSd8ntOXrrFrcNFJ3tC6ucGM8czMh3vtGdJPZsUJw_MNxqmNX9tGJ0UgC70_9qCAZW2t-Bf5m9r7RpZzeW0rrgeHXd_BBYoOqr-NjZMu3vsSPUzZepuZ_HjAng6C/s320/men+i+admire.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>1) My father</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I initially felt that this was pretty cliche, but the longer I've lived the more I've learned that there are a lot of people who did not grow up with fathers who loved, encouraged, supported and invested in them. It seems like a given to me because that was my experience but I am not necessarily the norm. I have a lot of fond memories of my father. I remember playing in his workshop with wood, nails and hammers while he worked on his own project. The smell of sawdust transports me back to his workshop. He didn't seem to mind me being in there. He would let my friends and I work on projects in there (we attempted to make a boat for our pond but it was not even close to water-tight and turned into a dock). I remember riding on our riding lawnmower with him (and eventually being given the job of official lawn mower). I remember him cheering me on at my sporting events. He was a vocal supporter. I remember having a father-daughter date when I was visiting home from college. I asked him some personal questions that made him squirm a bit (probably fear that being flawed would remove his hero status - not true). I always felt secure in his love. My dad taught me that I am important, worthy of his time and support, and worth showing up for.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKXolkivXEKEo3NxLH48KpIMq9Ce1FZzD0ZYBvkShcb1D4tQU-gXEA_tAPFKlC1UYJxeBB9BHNwD7CGgQlbRJ2wWTYpYsmxfvU8GA4deHJEppV3cBBtMSxaVLbustnDF4b9AknsQILnWs/s1600/medad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKXolkivXEKEo3NxLH48KpIMq9Ce1FZzD0ZYBvkShcb1D4tQU-gXEA_tAPFKlC1UYJxeBB9BHNwD7CGgQlbRJ2wWTYpYsmxfvU8GA4deHJEppV3cBBtMSxaVLbustnDF4b9AknsQILnWs/s320/medad.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He still has this Christmas shirt I made him in elementary school!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>2) My husband</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
It is possibly also cliche that I find my husband worthy of admiration but I really don't care. He is a wonderful man, a hard worker, a loving husband and father. I admire his dedication to integrity at work and home. I appreciate his love, support and encouragement. I love his heart for serving and helping others. I could gush forever but I'll keep it short and sweet. Among countless other things, he has taught me that I don't have to do it all and that it's okay to ask for help.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10GRcae5nsajgMYwKvSee3dGGhMg7vM-19wPUQeFu19MD78sDQ1BIiNCGJceo0SvUijB_8oyV4LbR3EN1VJYRr9P-sB7fGzwBVvDaEMgGtKw95nJIFL6CiWaHK9lF-gyJ3-_flHOOwlWR/s1600/meadam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10GRcae5nsajgMYwKvSee3dGGhMg7vM-19wPUQeFu19MD78sDQ1BIiNCGJceo0SvUijB_8oyV4LbR3EN1VJYRr9P-sB7fGzwBVvDaEMgGtKw95nJIFL6CiWaHK9lF-gyJ3-_flHOOwlWR/s320/meadam.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>3) My high school youth pastor</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I loved my high school youth pastor and his wife. They were so open and honest. They weren't afraid of sharing their mistakes because they were secure in God's love for them and hoped their testimony would prevent us from making the same mistakes. My affection for them probably increased because of their authenticity and vulnerability. He taught me that my mistakes do not make me ineffective for God. Redemption is available and God can still be honored and glorified through my life. I think he (and his wife) also planted the seed that has enabled me to be honest and vulnerable because of personal experience of how it encourages and can be an example for others.<br />
<br />
<b>4) My grandfather</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
For nearly all of my remembered life (ages 3+) my family lived away from our extended family. Nearly every summer my brother and I would fly out to Oregon to visit our grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. We always had a blast spending time with everyone and enjoying the moderate climate of the pacific northwest. I have a lot of fond memories of staying at my grandparents' farm. We would catch grasshoppers to feed the chickens, pick produce, throw apples to the deer, catch cabbage moths to earn nickels, pick "puff balls" off of the oak trees, swim in the creek and shoot hoops on the side of the barn. I remember bumping around the grounds with Grandpa in his old red truck, learning square dancing basics, playing memory math games and lots of card games. My grandfather taught me that math is fun and working hard is worthwhile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY8ECrp1KNv_ClDxdZ8KgYYRPc0N-p77Re4mbv-whWdaLGVzOSqzbd9pOHF_vy0mbl1R1zoOKG1sja3Bpv8clyIkNZvVhIKr1IgBL5AvFMkIr6LcwtZUMcjjiAEyZ83Ea2JGVhnuvYDAt/s1600/grandpa%2526grandma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY8ECrp1KNv_ClDxdZ8KgYYRPc0N-p77Re4mbv-whWdaLGVzOSqzbd9pOHF_vy0mbl1R1zoOKG1sja3Bpv8clyIkNZvVhIKr1IgBL5AvFMkIr6LcwtZUMcjjiAEyZ83Ea2JGVhnuvYDAt/s320/grandpa%2526grandma.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>5) My friend's husband</b><br />
<br />
I haven't really spent a lot of time with the husbands of my friends but, for a while, I was part of a prayer group that was hosted at my friend's house and had a four-person core group (two of which were my friend and her husband). We all learned a lot about one another and enjoyed praying for one another, our church and whatever else was mentioned each meeting. Also, being friends for quite a few years I learned a lot about my friend's husband through my friend. I have been impressed by his obedience and faithfulness to God and his desire to honor God in all circumstances and areas of his life. His love for God and his family is evident to all. He diligently serves others with his abilities. If he can help you, he will. My friend's husband has helped teach me the power of prayer, the importance of obedience and trust in God in all circumstances, and the joy of using your gifts and abilities to serve others and glorify God.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i> There are more men I could have mentioned as having influenced my life. I hope that you will think about those in your life who influence you positively and, perhaps, reach out them and let them know that you appreciate them.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mrsdisciple.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-5ABZoZERtjgOUPVdtZ9O-_-PTEFqhBnVoSKpeKQ-c9hO8IEE9ELc1Jye6i9E1ytBfgEjLPJJuUj3LaEa5jAZWpy8zqjeNAbZ88oWZElQY7RTt2qdWPPu1L9RV8E7cnsEZfqQ59Jiknc/s320/Sept+Friday+Five.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854809318196450424.post-14471626862700790002016-09-26T11:58:00.000-07:002016-09-26T11:58:02.757-07:00Made Well: Healthy and Healing are Not Synonymous I had the privilege of receiving an advanced copy of <i>Made Well: Finding Wholeness in the Everyday Sacred Moments</i><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>by Jenny Simmons. I tore through it in less than a week. I loved it so much. It spoke specifically to me about various experiences in my life now and in the past. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has suffered a loss or walked through a difficult path. Jenny is so honest in sharing parts of her story and does an excellent job of sharing the stories of loss others have entrusted her with. I am not sure how else to convey the pearls of wisdom and truth gleaned in these pages other than to share some quotes from the text that resonated deeply with me. If they strike a chord with you as well, I would recommend picking up a copy for yourself. It is officially <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801018900/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0801018900&linkCode=as2&tag=jennsimm09-20&linkId=QD2PRANRRJT2BLJR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">available October 4</a>! If you pre-order before it's release, there are some <a href="http://www.jennysimmons.com/madewell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">freebies</a> to be had as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9NQOSD4P6S5LEE6T52AqvNmlBTb-J_lGhWsg0vlXl1vvnVcYty6QEHrsBUkrCJPpNo6Mi32scPDkI4stHcfXR8rXkJcAh3sEDWW0eIqakJ5oD-SE07ZejN_YNy5PE0ZQqsxntlQLrFCR/s1600/made+well.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9NQOSD4P6S5LEE6T52AqvNmlBTb-J_lGhWsg0vlXl1vvnVcYty6QEHrsBUkrCJPpNo6Mi32scPDkI4stHcfXR8rXkJcAh3sEDWW0eIqakJ5oD-SE07ZejN_YNy5PE0ZQqsxntlQLrFCR/s320/made+well.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Healing happens all the time, even if a cure doesn't. I am invited to be made well even when the broken things don't get put perfectly back together.</i></blockquote>
I think we all often struggle with wanting everything in this world to be made perfect by God. But he has not promised to restore us completely until we are in eternity. We must continue to trust in God's provision and his timing for our healing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqAQJ8YF3btqvavoPiFzjls2O8CEKIzM90hC3WhQG4elWSF3UO4Y3AvMOFvDbqotzC2BwvOfQboRQKuyRXQHfJJcStKZ66YruxsWMBvf3XSo6P3uafNmJA19bFPmlYqr8LpkxeiBkZIqe/s1600/synonymous.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqAQJ8YF3btqvavoPiFzjls2O8CEKIzM90hC3WhQG4elWSF3UO4Y3AvMOFvDbqotzC2BwvOfQboRQKuyRXQHfJJcStKZ66YruxsWMBvf3XSo6P3uafNmJA19bFPmlYqr8LpkxeiBkZIqe/s320/synonymous.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>As if the physical body dying were not enough to contend with, there are other deaths in this life we must walk through as well. The death of marriages, friendships, dreams, careers, relationships, stages of life, sanity and health.</i></blockquote>
It was actually encouraging to be reminded that we all experience a number of deaths in our lives. It is healthy for us to grieve the things we lose, but we should try not to allow our lives to be defined by them. Whenever we suffer a loss, God is there with us providing comfort and offering to bring healing however he deems best.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>When confession and relinquishing control become daily habits, it becomes easier to live free. Each day we are learning to live under the grace of being sparkly clean.</i></blockquote>
I am in the process of learning to relinquish control in various areas of my life. It is not easy and I will sometimes try to reestablish control multiple times, even though I know deep down that God needs to be in control. Giving things over to him and allowing him to be responsible does give me the freedom to walk in faith and trust.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>One can belong to everything and everyone, and most of us over-belong ourselves in our quest to find home. We belong to so many people and so many things that when we sit still long enough, we recognize the gnawing feeling that we aren't deeply known by anyone.</i></blockquote>
I have felt this way recently. In my last season I was very involved in a number of things but still felt that I didn't really have a strong community. I was expending a lot of effort but the output was not as satisfying or fulfilling as I hoped it would be. I was still in want of a real community where I belonged and was known.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXx1-oOcP8dM6q2jZPP209wxCzs7obS9no8Nh4X_tqo9sME1b01HdoVAA1djECGNX2fXT-tnuyHhy9LmuDKFU2Zm67SpFqjzBqdW2nZkAplbQBe32YcKYXjDpGDd-3vg8o4Bm0J5HWlWI/s1600/fiercely+loved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXx1-oOcP8dM6q2jZPP209wxCzs7obS9no8Nh4X_tqo9sME1b01HdoVAA1djECGNX2fXT-tnuyHhy9LmuDKFU2Zm67SpFqjzBqdW2nZkAplbQBe32YcKYXjDpGDd-3vg8o4Bm0J5HWlWI/s320/fiercely+loved.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Belonging to </i>all the things <i>keeps us from truly belonging. I am endeavoring to live a life that does not come at the cost of frenzied fury. More often than not this is accomplished through intentional un-belonging. Un-belonging myself to the many things I yearn to belong to in order to consciously belong to the few.</i> </blockquote>
This is my current season of life. Over the past few months I have removed a number of obligations from my schedule. I am trying to scale down to the essentials in order to determine what is truly needed and what I might add that would bring value and meaning to my life. It has been challenging and I am continuing to struggle through this process. I am trusting God's leading through this season and look forward to being on the other side and seeing what comes from this intentionality.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>When the fear of missing out, the inability to say no, or the misguided belief that you must be everyone's savior causes you to perpetually accept opportunities and friendships you don't have space for, your road will become so crowded that you will find yourself wondering how you belong to everyone but don't belong to anyone. The gnawing loneliness and exhaustion will creep in.</i></blockquote>
This paragraph defines how I was feeling before I began the process of "un-belonging". I have major FOMO and it still pokes at me but I am slowly learning that I cannot be part of every good thing. I am human. I have limits. My time each day/week is fixed. When I say yes, I am also saying no. I need to make sure my "yesses" are for something truly worthwhile.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The Western soul has been conditioned to fix itself. Self-reliance is regarded as a premium character trait. We do not know how to open our hands well and receive the gifts of others...We have forgotten how to graciously accept gifts. How to let love be lavished upon us. In a culture where we expect everyone to earn his or her own way, we must relearn how to receive. We must fight the voice that says we don't deserve it, we haven't earned it, it might come with strings attached, or it could be a con. It's a gift! Mutter "wow" and be in awe.</i></blockquote>
I have struggled for years with self-reliance. I have hated asking for help with things. I dislike feeling like I owe something (even if it's construed as a gift I still sometimes feel this way). I have been learning that refusing gifts and refusing to ask for help keeps me from being in community with others. In accepting help and admitting my need, I am inviting others into my life to know me and for me to know them. I am learning just how important and valuable it is in receiving help (or gifts) from others.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSyOTz8zjzwhhySye21bNnl_soJB4SdJeHSdt80f7SqWNSOIALh1RWnLW3XIog5zrehF7izjGlf-LXX_w_VwfW66PD-4Hx5ZPRZRtzd2SPHYMp8laFBHYrMNGyR4mEmiX_NKmAuZ6x1v0/s1600/made+well.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSyOTz8zjzwhhySye21bNnl_soJB4SdJeHSdt80f7SqWNSOIALh1RWnLW3XIog5zrehF7izjGlf-LXX_w_VwfW66PD-4Hx5ZPRZRtzd2SPHYMp8laFBHYrMNGyR4mEmiX_NKmAuZ6x1v0/s320/made+well.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Those are the big takeaways I received from the book. I hope the quotes encouraged and spoke to you as they did me. I would recommend checking out this book. It would make a great gift to people going through a difficult time as well.</i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891265025494814774noreply@blogger.com0