Monday, October 24, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
New Day
Thank God for night. Have you ever thought about what our life would be without night? I know it's out there, but bare with me I have a point (I think). This morning I woke up at 5:40 when Kyle got out of bed. Admittedly, I resisted getting out of bed at first. BUT THEN... I made a choice.
I made a choice that even though my "perfect" week had been shot yesterday with sleeping in, today was a new day. The 5-8 hours (okay okay, 8-10 hours for me) of sleep we get each night is like a reset button. Yesterday fades into our memories and we wake up a new day. A day wiser, a day older, hopefully a day with more resolve to be better than we were yesterday.
I got out of bed turned on the Contemporary Christian music channel and opened my Bible to the James. I plan to read the entire book of James for the next week. It's about a 15 minute read. I want the truths fresh in my mind and heart everyday.
We profit from trials. We should love God in the trials. We are to be doers and not just hearers. Do not show favoritism. Faith and works go hand in hand. The tongue is powerful seek to tame it. Discern where your wisdom comes from. Pride promotes strife, be humble and do not judge but give mercy. Don't boast about tomorrow. God will judge the oppressors. Be patient and persevere. Pray faithfully and specifically. Bring back straying believers.
Speaking of new, this evening will bring a new hairstyle :) YAY!
Prayer need: Several adoptive families are going through difficult times with the genetic nature of their child. Please join me in praying that the nurture and environment would overtake these children's hearts and minds. God's hand is in each of these families and He will meet all their needs. "You don't know what you are getting when you adopt" has been the most common response to our desire to adopt. They are right, I don't know. GOD DOES! God knows and I trust Him completely.
I made a choice that even though my "perfect" week had been shot yesterday with sleeping in, today was a new day. The 5-8 hours (okay okay, 8-10 hours for me) of sleep we get each night is like a reset button. Yesterday fades into our memories and we wake up a new day. A day wiser, a day older, hopefully a day with more resolve to be better than we were yesterday.
I got out of bed turned on the Contemporary Christian music channel and opened my Bible to the James. I plan to read the entire book of James for the next week. It's about a 15 minute read. I want the truths fresh in my mind and heart everyday.
We profit from trials. We should love God in the trials. We are to be doers and not just hearers. Do not show favoritism. Faith and works go hand in hand. The tongue is powerful seek to tame it. Discern where your wisdom comes from. Pride promotes strife, be humble and do not judge but give mercy. Don't boast about tomorrow. God will judge the oppressors. Be patient and persevere. Pray faithfully and specifically. Bring back straying believers.
Speaking of new, this evening will bring a new hairstyle :) YAY!
Prayer need: Several adoptive families are going through difficult times with the genetic nature of their child. Please join me in praying that the nurture and environment would overtake these children's hearts and minds. God's hand is in each of these families and He will meet all their needs. "You don't know what you are getting when you adopt" has been the most common response to our desire to adopt. They are right, I don't know. GOD DOES! God knows and I trust Him completely.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Lord, I Am Ready
I am ready to let go of the bondage Satan has put around me. I am ready to live a life that is pleasing to Him. I am ready to (deep breath) tame my tongue.
Our preacher has been teaching on the topic of peace and harmony the last few weeks. In the sermon yesterday I was really really convicted about my critical thoughts. Then this morning while reading a post on a friend's blog I see that she will be doing a 14 day "kind word" sort of challenge. Hmmm that's two "coincidental and corresponding" reminders about my flaw. I know 28 years isn't a terribly long time, but it is enough time to realize that if something is laid in my path frequently and in a short time God is telling me to LISTEN UP!
I also spoke to my pastor's wife yesterday. I asked her to pray for me because of my targeted prayers. Satan sets his targets on us when we start setting our sites on God. My specific prayer for the next few weeks will be this
Changes are coming to the Bolling home. I don't know what God has planned, but he is stirring in both our hearts. I have to admit though, I am scared that I am not up for the challenges that may be ahead. I fiercely believe that Satan is constantly battling against those who love the Lord and share His news. When we are focused in, the devil works overtime.
Our preacher has been teaching on the topic of peace and harmony the last few weeks. In the sermon yesterday I was really really convicted about my critical thoughts. Then this morning while reading a post on a friend's blog I see that she will be doing a 14 day "kind word" sort of challenge. Hmmm that's two "coincidental and corresponding" reminders about my flaw. I know 28 years isn't a terribly long time, but it is enough time to realize that if something is laid in my path frequently and in a short time God is telling me to LISTEN UP!
I also spoke to my pastor's wife yesterday. I asked her to pray for me because of my targeted prayers. Satan sets his targets on us when we start setting our sites on God. My specific prayer for the next few weeks will be this
Lord allow me to show others (specifically my husband) your love through my words and actions. Proverbs 16:24 says that kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and good for the body.I realize that I am most critical of those who I love. I am also quite critical of myself. I need to speak kind words in a kind tone with love. Kyle will also be going through a men's Bible study on being a courageous man for 6 weeks at church. It is a study based on the new movie out, Courageous. It is based on the Biblical truths as illustrated in that movie (you know what I mean). If you haven't seen the movie, I HIGHLY recommend it, but take tissues (even the macho men cry during this flick.
Changes are coming to the Bolling home. I don't know what God has planned, but he is stirring in both our hearts. I have to admit though, I am scared that I am not up for the challenges that may be ahead. I fiercely believe that Satan is constantly battling against those who love the Lord and share His news. When we are focused in, the devil works overtime.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Has Anyone Seen My Motivation?
This week I implemented a chore chart of sorts in my house... You are correct, I do not have children. The chart is for me. Just like when you memorized your Bible verse or came to class every week and got a sticker on the class role, I get a sticker for doing the most basic things.
1. Get out of bed ON TIME 6:30
2. Bible study and quiet time
3. Make Bed
4. Work out at YMCA
5. Pick up living area. No dishes in sink at bedtime.
Don't judge me! I'm a super overachiever in some areas. Household chores and self-motivation are NOT those areas. Just ask my mother. Would you believe there is 1 thing I have done consistantly EVERYDAY this week? I have made my bed every single day this week, granted Wednesday it was 30 mins before we went back to bed.
On the flip side not once this week have I gotten out of bed on time. I swear I absolutely hate waking up in the mornings. Once Kyle gets up around 5 I start dreaming and sometimes the dreams are so strange I just don't want to leave them. I will go in and out of sleep hitting the snooze button for over an hour! RIDICULOUS I KNOW!!
I am trying so hard to form better habits. My reward is a manicure when I have accumulated 66 stamps. I have a possible 33 each week because I don't have to get out of bed at 6:30 on weekends :) In exchange for 2 weeks worth of good behavior I will treat myself to a manicure. It may take a while because of a possible 25 this week, I have 10 so far...
1. Get out of bed ON TIME 6:30
2. Bible study and quiet time
3. Make Bed
4. Work out at YMCA
5. Pick up living area. No dishes in sink at bedtime.
Don't judge me! I'm a super overachiever in some areas. Household chores and self-motivation are NOT those areas. Just ask my mother. Would you believe there is 1 thing I have done consistantly EVERYDAY this week? I have made my bed every single day this week, granted Wednesday it was 30 mins before we went back to bed.
On the flip side not once this week have I gotten out of bed on time. I swear I absolutely hate waking up in the mornings. Once Kyle gets up around 5 I start dreaming and sometimes the dreams are so strange I just don't want to leave them. I will go in and out of sleep hitting the snooze button for over an hour! RIDICULOUS I KNOW!!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
When We Leave Who Will Be There?
This afternoon I had the pleasure of going to a funeral of a dear lady in our church. Mrs. Sara was 52 and had been diagnosed with a brain tumor about 2 years ago. She was the youngest of 4 siblings, a mother, daughter, wife, and servant of God. Her family knew this day was coming, and they had the peace of God all around them.
As I was sitting in our church this afternoon where Sara had been a member since she was born, I looked around at all the people. The church was filled front to back, side to side, and even some in our balcony. It struck me that the people in that sanctuary were only a fraction of the lives she had touched through her years on this earth. How will people remember us when we die and leave this earth?
In the last 4 years there have been many people who have touched my life die and enter the gates of Heaven. An accident took the life of Jason Humphries on Thanksgiving Day four years ago. Brad Strickland was also tragically young and died quickly and unexpectedly in a fire. My Aunt Deb had a heart condition that was unknown and passed 2 years ago without warning and most recently my Great Aunt Lillian who was in her 90s died peacefully.
All four of these people touched an immeasurable number of people in their lives. They were loved deeply and they loved others. Most importantly they had all accepted Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I know their suffering on Earth is finished and they will be rejoicing with the Father in Heaven. What a great celebration that will be when Christ comes back to call His children home!
The time to accept Christ is now. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow. Live each day well. Love others, serve others and make a difference in the lives around you. How sad would it be to die having not made an impact on this world?
As I was sitting in our church this afternoon where Sara had been a member since she was born, I looked around at all the people. The church was filled front to back, side to side, and even some in our balcony. It struck me that the people in that sanctuary were only a fraction of the lives she had touched through her years on this earth. How will people remember us when we die and leave this earth?
In the last 4 years there have been many people who have touched my life die and enter the gates of Heaven. An accident took the life of Jason Humphries on Thanksgiving Day four years ago. Brad Strickland was also tragically young and died quickly and unexpectedly in a fire. My Aunt Deb had a heart condition that was unknown and passed 2 years ago without warning and most recently my Great Aunt Lillian who was in her 90s died peacefully.
All four of these people touched an immeasurable number of people in their lives. They were loved deeply and they loved others. Most importantly they had all accepted Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I know their suffering on Earth is finished and they will be rejoicing with the Father in Heaven. What a great celebration that will be when Christ comes back to call His children home!
The time to accept Christ is now. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow. Live each day well. Love others, serve others and make a difference in the lives around you. How sad would it be to die having not made an impact on this world?
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Fall in the South
What a beautiful day today! I love 3 of the four seasons but I think I enjoy fall the most. Last night Kyle and I went to dinner then to see Courageous. I am so grateful for the church and leadership behind Sherwood pictures. Their movies are so uplifting and real. It was a great date night.
Today we both slept in with no alarm set. When I woke up I immediately opened all the windows and lit candles. We did get some housework done today, but mostly just relaxed and watched football. Both of our teams won today, so no one is grouchy.
I am truly trying to enjoy these BC days. BC stands for before children in our house. I am excited about our future adoption and pray for our kids wherever they are right now. One thing is certain, we lead very chilled lives right now. We don't know how our lives will change exactly once we adopt, but we know it will.
Taking time to enjoy my life right now has always been a struggle for me. My type A personality and perfectionist tendencies always leave me looking ahead to the next step. I am trying to relax more, enjoy more, and experience more of the present.
Today we both slept in with no alarm set. When I woke up I immediately opened all the windows and lit candles. We did get some housework done today, but mostly just relaxed and watched football. Both of our teams won today, so no one is grouchy.
I am truly trying to enjoy these BC days. BC stands for before children in our house. I am excited about our future adoption and pray for our kids wherever they are right now. One thing is certain, we lead very chilled lives right now. We don't know how our lives will change exactly once we adopt, but we know it will.
Taking time to enjoy my life right now has always been a struggle for me. My type A personality and perfectionist tendencies always leave me looking ahead to the next step. I am trying to relax more, enjoy more, and experience more of the present.
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