Book Review: Napoleon Hill's Greatest Speeches: An Official Publication of The Napoleon Hill Foundation

While the title is a little wordy, this book is a treasure trove of insight, genius and the foundation to the master of success himself, Napoleon Hill.  I have yet to hear of a highly successful person not mention Napoleon Hill when they mention what books they read while climbing the ladder of success.

These speeches erected the springboard to success that many a man and woman have launched themselves.  This is a must read not only once but multiple time to get all the wisdom it contains and then even one more time for peace of mind.

The foreword by Dr. J.B. Hill, Napoleon's grandson, was enriching and allowed Napoleon Hill to become more human and real to me rather than some author who was brilliant.  The introduction by Don Green of the Napoleon Hill Foundation, furthered this awareness of humanity but also gave the ability to respect and be in awe of this pioneer of success and what he did for the rest of us.

Of the speeches I have to say that each are engaging and resourceful in being plain in speech to activate you to better yourself and your environment for success.  This is a new book for my shelf and new title to my yearly reading list!

Book Review: Raising an Original

There has been a constant wish and prayer for every parent on the earth: That our children grow up healthy and strong, be good members of the community, have a happy and successful life. There is also a frequent whispered prayer; that they come with an instruction manual.  Parents, there has been an answer to that prayer! Raising an Original: Parenting Each Child According to their Unique God-Given Temperment by Julie Lyles Carr gives insight to bringing up children without having to do the hokey pokey and turn your life upside down.  An easy read and interactive, you are going to seriously want this book in your hands!

This book is amazingly insightful for parents of children of all ages and all numbers.  A revolutionary resource to tap into and will be the go-to of your massive library of parenting menagerie.  You can pair this book up with another amazing resource and learn the love languages of your children - holy cow, what?!?

No way!

You mean you can raise amazing kids, manage your household, your job life, have an amazing life with your spouse and STILL stay sane?

Why yes, yes indeed you can with this effective tool that is now on bookshelves.  Definitely something I will be giving to my friends who are going to be parents and for those who are in the mix already.  You can find it in bookstores and Amazon now.  I can say without a doubt it is a must read!

Legacy of Clean Power

I had a cleaning revolution epiphany today. Our washer and dryer are situated under the stairs of our little duplex. So naturally all the fur, dirt and ick fall through the cracks and land on them and build up to a crusty film of nasty. Procrastination and distraction contribute to it also.

Not pretty, I know.

Embarrassing, actually. 

But behold, a light in sight! Enter our Legacy of Clean products.

 

  The bathroom cleaner and all-purpose wipes to be precise.

  

A little effort, but not enough to raise a sweat, I had my washer COMPLETELY cleaned! Inside and out!

Within 15-20 minutes!

Seriously? YES! 

 

 Look at that! It is all shiny and BEAUTIFUL!

The dryer took a little more effort, but still no sweat.

Ok that did it for me. If I wasn't sold before, I totally am now.

Want Legacy of Clean products for yourself? Go here and register at our online store and order your intro bundle or single products yourself! It will be money well spent and a home well cleaned! All cleaning products are organic and biodegradable. Have been since 1959.

Identity: Relationship

Identity.

It is what everybody on this planet wants. To know who they are, what they are and what they are meant for. Some have figured it out, but most of us will spend our whole lives looking for it. This is a place where I think church drops the ball. Anyone and everyone who has stepped into a church for any amount of time has heard 'You are a child of God' or 'You are heirs in Christ'. Which don't get me wrong, sounds awesome but what exactly does that mean? There are waves rippling through the church where people are turning away from 'religion' and moving towards 'spirituality' and 'relationship'. People are getting dropped in the big cracks that are being created by separation of these words. You can have all of these and be one of those people who have figured it out, or you could have parts of one or all and be a robot that goes in and out of church building doors. Let's look at what relationship is and why it is the most necessary part of Christianity.

When looking at when the church began, it is actually easy to see where things get bungled up. But let's go even further back than that. Let's talk Creation. Christians believe that God created the universe. They don't go into specifics on how he did it because in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't really matter but discovering how is cool. They believe in a Triune God, meaning three in one. Three separate beings forming one being. This would be the Father, the Son and the Spirit. Don't get so hung up on trying to figure it out, that isn't what is important. This is: the Father thought of the universe, the Son (or the Word) spoke it into existence.

So here's the deal. You are here because God had this awesome idea (that would be you) and the Son (the Word, who is now Jesus) spoke you into existence. Mind-blowing, huh? 'Um no,' you say, 'see my mom and dad got freaky and nine months later there I was'. To this I could go into how getting pregnant isn't as easy as people would like to believe but it would take ages, kind of like explaining just how complex our world is and how it takes something more than coincidence to have all the parts working together in harmony. Another time, another place, maybe.

So the Son came down from outside of time and space to be in our crowded little world, filled with crowded little small-minded people so that the separation that occurred in the Garden could be fixed. And while he was here he felt what all little people feel. Love, anger, laughter, sadness. What, did you think those were just coincidences too? When he sacrificed himself on the cross, he laid the groundwork for us to become like him. Now, go read a couple of paragraphs up and remember just who and what he is. Now wrap your mind around this. When you ask for Jesus to come into your life and have a relationship with him, you get to be a part of all of that. When Jesus rose from the grave, it was like graduation day when your Daddy hands you the keys to your dream car, buys you your dream house, you marry your dream guy...... you get the idea, I hope. This is what you get when you have a relationship with Jesus. What He is, you become. And this is where the separation between 'religion' and relationship comes into play.

See, religion is a set of practices you DO in order to gain favor or acceptance. In a relationship with Jesus, you don't have to do ANYTHING. You are and always will be accepted and have favor. Even when you mess up. And you will mess up because, alas, you are only human. Like the rest of us.

'But what about the Ten Commandments and all the other do's and don'ts in the Bible' you point out. Most of them don't apply anymore. 'How can that be?' you say. Because it is a relationship, not a job. I do not cheat on my husband. I don't do this because it says not to, I do it because I love him and know that if I did that it would hurt him deeply. And that in turn would hurt me because I love him greatly. One flows into the other. Same goes with Jesus. If you truly love him then your actions will reflect that. You will do things to please him, not because you have to but because you want to, because it makes you happy when he is happy. And when you mess up you will feel bad and want to hide but He wants you to come to him so he can heal the hurt and get you going again. I don't know about you but that beats a thousand hail Mary’s and any other hokie pokie religious work stuff any day. I'm just saying.

Darkness to Light

Dark have been my dreams of late. ~ King Theoden, Lord of the Rings – Two Towers

Darkness. True darkness. Absence of physical light can be frightening and many times is, but it can and has been overcome. Absence of spiritual light, however, is the true nightmares of every human alive. The feeling of despair, lost hope, has brought many a person to their knees and even to their deaths. It is the horrifying edge that many walk every day. Your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, might be walking the tightrope across a yawning black pit surrounding them and you may or may not even know it. And if you do, you don't know how to help them. And they don't know how to tell you how.

I write this because I, myself, have had dark dreams of late. To be more precise, I have had dark days. Days where my husband has had to watch, helplessly, as darkness consumed my mind. Watch as his free-spirited wife who loves life and sunshine get swallowed up into a shadow of nothingness. Encouraging words were lost in the smog of depression. Then just as soon as it comes, the clouds blow away. The darkness lifts and I am able to think and see again. Each time an episode happens it feels like my mind is static and all I can see or hear is darkness. The most painful thing is, I can feel it coming. The most shameful thing is when I lose the fight and get sucked into the madness. Because when the clouds lift, I can't remember exactly why they were there in the first place but do know that I was not myself.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path ~ Psalms 119:105 (AMP)

Recently I have started listening to podcasts from my church pastors and got a bible app on my phone and Nook. And while words of light are spoken in my ears and read by my eyes, the voices in my mind scream and sneer. But faith comes by hearing (and seeing) and hearing by the word of God which is Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:17) Faith is strengthened when truth is spoken. Jesus is Truth. Truth can come from a friend, song, message, program, a devotional, any where Jesus sees fit. And where one avenue may get cut off, He will open another path. Jesus doesn't give up on you, even if you give up on yourself. Plain. Simple. Period. So take hold of that promise and store it in your heart. When the whispers of dread and doom start to tickle your ears, pull it out and shine it. They will still come at you, but their time will be shortened, because the darkness will always lose to the light. And Jesus is the Light.

Religion vs Faith

To those who believe, no answer is needed. For those who do not, no answer is good enough.

I am not sure who said those words but it sums up the rift between believers and non-believers very well. And not just Christianity, but any belief system out there really. But more so for Christianity because it will have people doing things that “rational” people would not. Not saying that Christians are crazy (though there are a few loose nuts out there), they are just living a radical life following a God that says to do things differently than “normal”.

Non-believers roll their eyes when Christians say they don't have religion, they have faith. This means they do not live under rules and regulations on how to “act” right, they have a relationship with a living being that directs, nudges and pushes them to right paths. Christians are not sheeple, just mindlessly following. People of faith don't mindlessly follow – trust me, there are many out there that question the situations they are in just as much as non-believers. They just have faith, that is trust, that God has the game plan.

Now I am not saying that there isn't religion in churches or religion type activities in churches, there are. But that is really no different than any other place where people gather and follow some sort of routine or schedule. Your job, for instance, has routines and schedules to them so, in essence, they have religious activities to it. Wrap your head around that one. And church, God's church, isn't a building its people. Living, breathing people. If the church building burned to the ground, the church would still be there. Does that mean you don't need to go to the building to worship God?

Yes and No.

No because it is just a building and you can worship God anywhere. Yes because while you don't need the building, you do need the people. It is the people who will encourage you and build you up. Don't get me wrong, it is also the people who will sometimes disappoint and hurt you but they are human and that happens sometimes. Remember God does show his love to us through other people but humans do the disappointment and hurting on their own without any added help.

So what is the difference between religion and faith?

There is a simple way to see it in action.

When a person says they are a Christian but are really following religion, when bad times happen they will be looking at themselves and wondering what they did wrong. They scramble trying to “fix” themselves and their behaviors to “win” favor.

When a person says they are a Christian and following in relationship, when bad times happen they will be looking up and asking God to help them through it and believing that everything is going according to the game plan. It's not that they have more information, they just trust the Coach.

The God Drug

In the book, The Forces that Form Your Future, the author asks how you view God and how you view the Bible. I pondered this over as I read it, as I was falling to sleep, my dreams pondered it and so did my waking self, after some much needed caffeine. A little voice inside was sneering at me, telling me I must not really know if I am taking so long to think it over. It was wrong. I was bypassing my brain to think on this and going straight to my heart. It has many rooms and is a really big place. As I was searching for the answer, one came to me.

God is like a drug – a pure drug, a life-giving drug. And even that doesn't truly encompass it all.

Let me explain my answer, if you will. The drugs that we associate with euphoric highs are, in truth, harmful to you and I believe Satan's effort to capture some of the glory that God gives to those who love and follow Him. If you are addicted to worldly drugs or know someone who is, you know that the highs don't last long and the lows are horrific. And so those who are addicted will chase after, doing whatever necessary, to get their next fix. All to chase that first high.

God's love is a Christian's drug. It produces a high that no earthly thing can compare. And it is free! He gives it even when we disobey. But oh how much more sweeter it is when we do! And to get more, you chase after him and he chases right back. The Bible is full of him reaching out, chasing, those who He loves and them chasing him. That first high of God just keeps getting better and better! The Bible is our daily dose of God's faithfulness and love. Each day we read and learn a little more, each day we draw a little closer. And the health effects of God's love on our physical bodies is amazing! And people notice. They notice that our spouses are content, our children are well balanced, our lifestyle is not chaotic. They look at what true Christians have and they want it for themselves! Oh, to be addicted to God!

Not to say there aren't lows. There are. And sometimes they are quite painful. But these are usually the time when God is either correcting your action and/or thoughts, or you have decided you didn't need His daily dose to get you through this thing called life. The good thing is, with God's love you don't need detox, just repentance. He freely forgives and loves on you that much more. Your wrong is put in the trash where it belongs.

Now I know people will ruffle their feathers over what I just said and call me all kinds of a sinner. And you know what? They would be right. I am a sinner. I was a sinner. I am a forgiven sinner. I am a self-proclaimed God junkie. And proud of it.

The Lemmings of Election Year

Most election years are looked forward to with much groaning and moaning.  This is because the onslaught of trash-talking, mud-slinging ads are about the ensue.  You will be regaled as to why one candidate is better than the other and why you should pick him or her for your dodge ball team in the world wide arena of politics.  You will have your Rights, your Lefts, your Middles and your I-Don't-Care-They-Are-All-Crooks.  But this year there is another cry that is starting to escalate that has me feeling uneasy.  It is the cry of "Anybody but....."  Anybody but Obama, anybody but Romney, anybody but Paul.  These are not cries of watchful mindful voters, these are cries of people who are looking to anything and everybody for passage into a imaginary promised land.  And the media, campaign managers look on with calculated delight.  For they know that one candidate, one president, isn't going to carry us out of this mess. But if they can just appease the majority of the masses, they can get their candidate to the front square and into the big office.  So they point fingers and spotlight minimal things so that you are shocked and confused.  Their goal is not to unite the country to former glory, but to divide and conquer.

Me, not We, Mentality

Mass media and special groups want you to think about you.  What is in it for you?  Why aren't you getting what you deserve? Why are the rich getting richer, while the poor suffer? This person is a bigot. That one is a hypocrite. This is what you should think about. That is old-school and outdated, no longer applying to our society. They shape and mold people's opinions by highlighting negative stories or articles, giving only a glimpse at the positive to give you some semblance of hope. Yet there are stories that leak through that show that the world they want you to believe in isn't all that they say it is. Stories of communities pulling together and helping each other, even thriving during a struggling economy. People showing charity and goodwill towards each other, without the benefit of a holiday. Unknown and unsung heroes stepping up and out to better the lives around them. This is the world they don't want you to believe in, this is the world they don't want you to see.

Divisive Mentality

Us against them, black against white, big against small, rich against poor, me against you. They will pick and pull, pointing out differences as opposed to unity. Big corporations are greedy and feed off their employees so you must bash them and see them for the evil carnations that they are. There are more corporations that care about their employees, community and environment then there are that take everything they can without regard to their surroundings. But those who let greed dominate their priorities get the stories because that is what will get the masses buzzing. There are a few elite rich in our country that are all party and play and no work. The majority of those who are considered rich and wealthy in this nation worked their collective butts off to get where they are today. Most of them still work as hard as most of their employees. But again, those kinds of stories do not get sensationalized. That would defeat their purpose of keeping the one group bickering at another, thus clouding the eyes of the people to what is being done behind the curtain in the Land of Oz.

Niceness vs Kindness

Political correctness is the bane of our society. It requires one to isolate itself from the community and take offense over little, petty things. It has you being packed into a box, bleating about imagined injustice instead of taking an honest look at what something truly is and either correcting a wrong or shrugging it off. Ignorance is scorned, instead of being an opportunity to educate and inform. Organizations are stigmatized or limited in their ability to reach out the the community and do more because of their belief systems or corporate mission statements. When concern over an individual's feelings override what is good for the group or community, a corrosive attitude eats at the heart and does more harm than good.

These are but a few of the only tools they use. I am not some conspiracy theory type. Just a simple American who loves her country, even when it appears to be unlovable at the moment. In this election year, what are the issues that are close to your heart?

Taking Back

I feel like a broken record - I keep saying I am going to be more consistant and change but then I hit that little bump and I am back at where I started from. Let me just say that I am very glad that God put certain people in my life. These chosen few have earned the right to kick me in the arse when I get my head up there too far (it happens on occasion because I tend to think I have it covered). One such person, Sarah, did this recently and I am very appreciative because it helped craft this article and hopefully will see the lessening or ending of the whole "head-up-arse" thing. There is always hope.....

In this writer's life I have discovered that there are many ups and downs - and for me there are a lot of downs associated with my writing life. Not that it is depressing, but because the more I dig into the workings of the publishing world my mind starts focusing on the minutia of it all and I struggle with uncertainty and doubt that I have what it takes. Am I a writer? I didn't always write like some others who "knew" or always wanted to be a writer. If I am a writer why am I wracking my brains to get a simple scene down? Why can't I seem to plant my BIC (butt in chair) and write? I mean, writers write, right? So if I am a writer, why can't I write? And the thoughts continue to spiral like a toilet flushing with never ending crap.

Then a light bulb went off as I was procrastinating with laundry. I am re-reading "Think and Make It Happen" by Dr. Augusto Cury and decided to take the swirling toilet-pit of my mind through his steps for thinking correctly and getting you back on the main stage of your mind.

1. I am going to stop the constant "why why why" in my head. It sounds too much like whining and it is wasting my time and energy. I am not accomplishing what I would like to do - which is write.
2. I am going to be truly honest with myself. I am going to step back from the middle of that swirl and take a deep breath. I value honestly almost above all else, so if I can't be honest with myself then how can I be honest with other people?
3. I am going to allow myself to really feel the emotions that are bouncing around so I can understand them better than just reacting to the effects.
4. I am going to discover the roots of the spewing rupture in my mind, find out just where the break or crack is and why it has the ability to flood the theater of my mind and take all the enjoyment from my life. Journaling helps with this and also I am giving myself some cues to be able to step back from a reaction to look at it.
5. I am going to stop letting my emotions and turmoil direct the movie of my life. Are they even registered with the Guild for that? I am the director of this movie and They are going to go to boot camp. I am not a victim of my circumstances or events, I will not be pushed around.
6. I am going to doube and criticize the validity of these kamakaze thoughts and moods. Are they truth? When shown in the light do they shine with truth or do they just puff out like smoky shadows?

Now I am not saying any of this will be easy, heck no, those dark thoughts and moods like their little cramped corners just fine. But I believe I am worth the effort and I also believe that anyone else out there that suffers from mental illness or insecurity is worth it too. We are Image-bearers of God, not some accident, mistake or whatever. We all have purpose and the biggest enemy we have to confront and conquer is ourselves.
Who else out there struggles with insecurity in their craft? What do you do when you are facing a dark time? What helps you get out of it? I am always up for ideas.

A Tribute to Mom

This year we celebrate 150^th anniversary of the civil war. This Mother's Day I celebrated the ending of my personal civil war, and it is all thanks to a woman who brought life to me. Let me clarify, this woman is not the one who biologically made me, she brought life to my spirit and my soul. She taught me about Jesus and God but most of all about love. I, with my child's mind, didn't understand unconditional love, not really, so I rebelled and she still loved me. Our world fractured and she still loved me. She has spent years on her knees in prayers over me, guess she didn't know that I had said my heart-felt prayers to Jesus when I was little, but I didn't feel like I belonged, didn't understand that unconditional love, so I thought I did it wrong and was not his.

Tossed into the storms of this world's life I was battered and bruised, but God saw fit for me to always find that safe port, home, where I had felt that love but didn't understand it. Each time I left to “make it by myself”, I know she must have cried tears and wished I could see the love, graceful love, meant for me. A continent rose up and separated us, physically and emotionally, yet still she prayed. Years of the world's grime caked on and left me disillusioned, bitter and cynical. Finally I looked towards the man I had looked up to as a child, Jesus. He was my hero then, I wanted to be just like him. I came to him now and asked just what could he do. He said nothing, just washed me clean and wrapped me in his arms. And while my heart rejoiced, my mind quarreled. While I was spotless in his eyes, I was a Dalmatian in my own. I looked back at the road I traveled. Guilt draped its robe on me while Shame crowned me. My heart kept knocking them off, my mind kept putting them back on.

This Mother's Day, I discovered who I belonged to and I called the woman who brought life to me – my Mom, this woman who introduced me to Jesus, the life of the world. For that is what true mother's are, life-givers. Some do that physically, others do that spiritually – if you are truly lucky you get both in one. I want my Mom to know that she has “Mom-angels” out there, other life-giving creations that have her back and brought her prodigal daughter back to her arms.

Thank you Mom and to your helpers.

Chris

Book Review - Captivating

I honestly didn't know what I was getting myself into when I chose to review Captivating by John and Stasi Eldridge. I was familiar with John as I had read Wild at Heart and Waking the Dead. I love his writing style and his books have always given me something to mull over and even change the way I think about my relationship with God and others. But what does a man know about women, even if he is married to one? As I read through, though, I discovered that Stasi is the main voice and she nails it right on the head.

As women we are pushed and pulled in all directions – most fiercely by other women. Be independent, be submissive, be bold, be meek – There never seems to be a “perfect” fit to please anyone OR ourselves. Even with all the empowering messages out there for women, why do we still feel inadequate, too much or not enough? Why do we still feel alone? Have you ever sat back and wondered Why? Why do all our "Go Women, We Rule" man-bashing attitudes, shows, messages just leave us even more isolated and unsatisfied. This book gives insight into what is really taking place behind the scenes. And I have to admit, while I was reading it I struggled and fought with what it said but in my heart I understood truth when it was smack dab in front of me. We women are under attack, but it isn't from dominating men, cruel society or even us. There is someone who hates us with a passion that is unthinkable.

I believe that any woman who breathes air should read this book and take its words to heart. Even if you are not spiritual or religious it is still eye-opening and maybe, just maybe it will help you find your way.

Because one thing IS true.

I am powerful and beautiful.

I am loyal and nurturing.

I am the crown of creation.

I am a daughter of Eve.

And I am to be feared.

This book was given to me by Thomas Nelson Publishing for the purpose of review. I was not paid or coerced to give a good review.

Book Review - Word of Promise: New Testament

Do you have a busy schedule? Feel you don't have the time to sit down and study your bible? Do you want to spice up your sermons, bible study or lectures? This audio book will blow you away and fulfill your needs. Created in a dramatic theater style experience it will remind the older generations of the radio theaters they listened to as youngsters and will introduce youngsters to radio theater. I was enthralled by the end of the first chapter and a devoted fan by the end of disk one! Not only are the sounds helpful to pull you into the bible as you never have been before but the actors are superb and believable. I was especially excited when I discovered Jim Caviezel (The Passion of the Christ, Deja vu) was reprising his role as Jesus for this series. Other notable actors lend their talents such as Richard Dreyfuss as Moses (Quotes), Marisa Tomei as Mary Magdelene, Stacy Keach as Paul, Louis Gossett Jr as John and Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Mary, mother to Jesus. And those are just the tip of the iceberg!

This audio book comes in a convenient carrying case that hold the 20 CD's and also has a bonus DVD with Behind-the-Scenes information with interviews and such. It is a must have for those with busy schedules and also a great way to make the bible come alive for your children.

This audio book was given to me by Thomas Nelson Publishing for the purpose of review. I was not paid or coerced to give a good review.

The lesson of a Dunderhead

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

~James 1:5-8 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version

Every man is a damn fool for at least five minutes every day; wisdom consists in not exceeding the limit. ~Elbert Hubbard

I have trying to take a good look at myself to scrub away any spots that are not pleasing to God and are hindering my writing process and my relationships. It hasn't been an easy process because to be honest taking a good honest look at yourself sometimes gives you a stinkface. Things you thought you thew out ages ago you find out were actually just shoved down and have been festering in a dark corner and now are just down right stanky. Ewwww. Not saying that is what is happening here, no no no......well, maybe I did hit on something this morning when I was rebooting my laundry load. I was muttering to God about my writing, He is used to this so I am sure I had his undivided attention - either that or he had one ear tuned to me while he played Super Mario Brothers, He has been trying to get past that dungeon level for ages. I was going on how I am sure He wanted me to write because He gave me the gift and how I was trying so hard and I just wanted to get this book done so I could show it to Him and say "See, Daddy, look what I did." - Ohhhhh Ouch, yeah it smacked me right upside the head in the middle of transferring wet clothes. Bang your head on the wash machine, Crysie, you dunderhead. No wonder you haven't been able to write anything useful lately, you have been trying to rely on YOU, you big dummy. (and yes, God does sound like Red Fox as Fred Sanford sometimes).

So now that I have my head going in the right direction (though it was starting to go there before this amazing revelation this morning) I think the floodgates might actually be opened. YAY! Because there are some writer's conferences coming up that I would like to go to and I would like to have some work to present although really I just want to finish something and show it to my heavenly father and have him smile and give me a big hug and say it makes him happy. That and when I get to heaven, he wants me to be the editor of the Heavenly News, lol.

Hello to new Me?

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

but his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night.

~ Psalms 1:1-2 The Holy Bible : English Standard Version.

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

~ MercyMe - Bring the Rain

Patience is a virtue.

Not right now, it isn't.

~ Rick & Evie, The Mummy

I am a graduate from the school of Life, majoring in Hard Knocks with minors in stubbornness and trust issues with a dash of pride mixed in. Now my life could have been worse, that is for sure and it could have been better. But this is not a blog for whining about what could or should have been. It is actually more about taking an honest look at myself and my surroundings and snapping out of a rut/funk/whatever-you-want-to-call-it and giving it the boot. A new year just begs for a new beginning and one new beginning is for me to let go of what little bit of perfectionism I have about things within me and move ahead. Now I am one that would say that there is no such thing as perfect, and I would be right but I would also be a hypocrite (which I cannot stand) because I demand perfection (or close to it) from myself. So then if I would mess up or something not turn out the way I would expect it to I would not only beat myself up because I obviously messed something up and thus not done it perfectly, I am also beating myself up for being a hypocrite because there is no such thing as perfect. Now I am not a rocket scientist or anything related to scientist and have the common sense God gave a flea but even I know that has got to drive a person a bit bonkers. And while bonky, whacky people are fun to watch on TV, they aren't so fun to live or be around in real life.

I am trying to establish simple routines. This is funny since the idea of routines makes me want to run for the hills screaming. But I have decided that these routines will actually free up my time to do the things I actually like to do. This is a serious work in progress. The ark wasn't built in a day, heck I took 9 months! I am understanding that my spiritual gift is writing although still not sure how that is working out for me because I am struggling with it lately. But I am also good with advise (giving more than taking) but I am more of a Denis Leary than a Dear Abby so not sure that will work out for me - then again, you never know. I don't even know how one gets that kind of gig, so if anyone knows, I would appreciate any information.

I have went through my email devotionals and scaled them down although it almost seemed like blasphemy. And even unsubscribed to some ministry audio/video. But I had to reason with myself that it was just sitting there in my inbox and not doing me any good - it would be like having a bible and never reading it. And besides, God isn't going to judge me on the amount of devotionals or ministries I listen to. I have this longing to please him and do right but also the perfectionism and I am an overachiever - trust me when I say, this is NOT a good mix.

See, I am trying to be patient and wait upon the Lord though you get those sayings of "The Lord helps those who help themselves" but that isn't exactly true. God wants you to depend on him but then that doesn't mean sit on your thumbs either. This can be a rather head banging on wall experience at times.

Especially for those of us who are reforming perfectionists who get hives over the thought of failure or messing up. Not to mention overachievers who start foaming at the mouth if left unattended for too long.

And then there were these sawdust chips......

Hello my friend, I remember when you were
So alive with your wide eyes to the light
Then the light that you had when your heart was stolen
Now you say that it ain’t worth stayin’
You wanna run but your hesitatin’
I’m talkin’ to me

Don’t let the lights go down
Don’t let the fire burn out
Cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe
Why don’t you rise up now?
Don’t be afraid to stand out
That’s how the lost get found
The lost get found

So when you get the chance, Are you gonna take it
There’s a really big world at your fingertips
And you know you have the chance to change it
There’s a girl on the streets, she’s cryin’
There’s a man who faith is dying
Love is calling you

~Britt Nicole, The Lost Get Found

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

~Matthew 7:1-5

The Holy Bible : English Standard Version.

What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself. ~Abraham Lincoln

Now I am one who is really big on being honest and truthful in things - it makes things easier all around, honestly. That being said, it makes one squirm a bit when they take an honest and truthful soul-searching look at themselves and see that while they have been pointing out flaws in others they have had a figurative hole in their drawers. Well maybe not that gaping or embarrassing but still it wasn't until I received a devotional in my email this morning that I realized that I was demanding something from this world and its people that it was not able to give. Granted, it isn't that it CAN'T give it it is just that it is out of practice and a bit spoiled and rotten at the moment. I would like to think we can, as good old Abe so nicely put it, de-skunkdefy it and make it into a glorious country again. Despite what naysayers think, it CAN be done. I mean the Ark wasn't built in a day but it WAS built - and by a really old man no less. There are going to be bumps and bruises, wins and losses and that is all ok it is part of the journey but the end reward is going to be worth the ride. Are we going to enjoy the whole thing? Heck no! There are going to be part we are going to absolutely abhor and want to vomit over but it is all par for the course. Remember folks there were many times that God handed over his chosen people to their enemies because they disobeyed or became frivolous. Do you think you are more deserving then they? Be careful, your plank is showing.

Joy to the World? Eh, maybe not

I have been the wayward child, I have acted out
I have questioned Sovereignty, And had my share of doubt
And though sometimes my prayers feel like, They're bouncing off the sky
The hand I hold won't let me go, And is the reason why...

I will stumble, I will fall down
But I will not be moved
I will make mistakes, I will face heartache
But I will not be moved
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
I will not be moved

Bitterness has plagued my heart, Many times before
My life has been like broken glass, And I have kept the score
Of all my shattered dreams and though it seemed
That I was far too gone,, My brokenness helped me to see
It's grace I'm standing on

~Natalie Grant, I Will Not Be Moved

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

~Romans 1:18-32 The Holy Bible : English Standard Version.

Whatever we worship, short of God, is sure to be our undoing. ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960

Ah Christmas time in America, such joy and cheer and jubulation. Wait, that ISN'T what you have been getting on your nightly news? Come to think of it, it hasn't been on mine either, hmmm. No, there has been much bickering, finger pointing and hate-mongering going on during the time of the season where love and peace is supposed to reign. And I almost am ashamed to say that a lot of the fear mongering is being promoted by the christian community. I mean, come on, did you forget who your commander in chief was? So what if the gay community "wins" the "right" to be legally married. It is just a piece of paper in this world. Do you really think it is going to bypass God's sovereignty? That they are going to be able to march up to the pearly gates and thumb their nose at him and go "nah nah we got you?" Really? They are saying that it is going to debase the sanctity of marriage. Seriously? Oh I think the cheating, physical, emotional, mental and substance abuse that leads up to the, what 95% divorce rate covers that. Do I think is wrong, heck yes I do! But God granted free will and who am I to try and prevent what he allows? I am not God. And you know what? He allows punishment for going against what is good and just and his will. DUH. So let them have their moment in the sun, let them find out the grass isn't greener. Besides, this all happened before anyway - read your history book, the bible. Everything that has ever happened is in there - it is a great read, you should try it some time. I mean granted, the bad guys keep getting more clever as time goes by but still you learn new stuff every time you read it. Personally I almost wish this world would go to hell in hand basket, it would mean he is coming soon and I could go home and everything would be heavenly - literally.

The World or God - is there really a choice?

Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.

Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

~ Proverbs 23:17-18 The Holy Bible : English Standard Version.

Be careful little eyes what you see, It's the second glance that ties your hands
As darkness pulls the strings

Be careful little feet where you go, For it's the little feet behind you
That are sure to follow

Be careful little ears what you hear, When flattering leads to compromises
The end is always near

Be careful little lips what you say, For empty words and promises
Leave broken hearts astray

The journey from your mind to your hands, Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand, You just might be sinking

And thoughts invade, choices are made
A price will be paid
When you give yourself away, People never crumble in a day

It's a slow fade, When you give yourself away
It's a slow fade, When black and white are turned to gray

~ Casting Crowns - Slow Fade

We have enjoyed so much freedom for so long that we are perhaps in danger of forgetting how much blood it cost to establish the Bill of Rights. ~Felix Frankfurter

I used to joke that I was "banned" from watching news because it would drive me nuts. The onslaught of negativity that vomits continualy from the boob tube was disgusting. It got even worse during the election year with the adoration of Obama and I am not even going to say how it has been since he has been president - and no, I am not a fan. I am proud to say I voted for the other guy and that I CHOOSE to turn the channel when the news comes on and they continually spout negativity and drone on about information that is not uplifting or encouraging. I don't care about Tiger Wood's problems and I have already heard the weather report so I can change the channel now, thank you very much.

I can't say that my religious devotionals are all that much more uplifting at times either - everyone seems to be in panic mode that we are going to collapse and fall into ruin and be the devil's playthings. This brings me to a bit of eye rolling because I go to my bible and check my facts and it says right there in black and white that Satan can't touch me because God protects me. I mean, yeah, I could die and that would suck but in a way it wouldn't because then I would be with God and that would rock. I wouldn't hurt anymore, my suffering would be over, the mental torture that I go through almost daily would be gone. I don't know about you but that would be a blessing. If a civil war broke out tomorrow and my family perished and we went to be with God do you really think I would complain? Not likely. And those who have been saved shouldn't worry about themselves either because they are covered and they should know that and not fear but they are acting like scared rabbits.

I have found that I have found that a lot of my mental grief has dropped away as I stopped worrying about what the world worries about and looked at God. This world can go away, He has me and it is all good. I mean yes, I love my husband and my kids, I am not selfish like that. But if God called me home I am not stupid enough to say no. I will know that my purpose here was done and it was time to go home. So as the Christmas season starts to ramp up lets try to remember the words the angels told the shepherds that blessed night and the same words Jesus said many times to his disciples when they showed fear in troubled times.

Do not Fear, I am With You.