Pearls of Purpose

What Do You Crave?

2012-01-12T07:54:00.007-06:00

As I searched online this morning for the word "cravings", Its no surprise to see that SO MANY people crave sweets. It was sort of funny to see all the pictures of people doing all they could to resist that sweet temptation. But the sweet temptation wasn't what I was looking to expound on. I have craved something pretty consistently for over 13 years especially at bedtime. Never realized it was really a craving...just thought it was normal...that everyone loved it as much as I did. Funny thought now, hindsight.

What craving am I talking about? ICE!! For years...I have had pretty much an uncontrollable desire for ice. I have ALWAYS ordered a drink with extra ice and couldn't wait to finish my drink so I could chomp on it. Popping the cup up to my mouth, tapping the bottom to pour a few pieces into my mouth, and AHHHH......there it was!! The cold sensation of the frozen water, and the awesome feeling I got to chomp away at it. (Always chewing it at the same rhythm according to my oldest daughter! LOL) Then, to swallow...LOVED how it felt to swallow the cold crushed ice and feel it travel down into my warm body. Did I tell you how much I LOVED THIS??!!? LOL

Guess you could tell I got a little too much joy out of this. I truly thought NOTHING of it, at all. I have just always loved it (at least to the best of my memory). I honestly just thought all southerners liked ice as much as I did. Until recently.

I had been having some health difficulties that forced me to go to the doctor. (I really DO NOT like to go to the doctor). But...I had to, I was miserable. Thank goodness...the doctor helped me for the reason I was there. He also wanted to run some bloodwork to make sure there wasn't anything else wrong with my blood count. I was glad he was doing that...just so I knew.

I waited a few days for the report, a little nervous. I had no clue what would come back. To my surprise, only one thing came back low... it was my iron. WHAT?!? I'm anemic?!?! REALLY?!?

Well...I guess that would explain some over-tiredness, some crankiness, some hairloss, etc. Makes sense. So the doctor put me on iron supplements for 3 months and I have to go back to be checked again. (Stay with me...there is a point to this story)

So...I began to take the supplements regularly. I started to feel less tired and sluggish after a while...which is a GREAT thing. But you know what I noticed more than ANYTHING?!? I didn't want to eat my regular glass of ice at bedtime. I would fill my glass up and couldn't wait to eat it...but after one or two bites...I didn't want it.

That was odd to me. No longer when I'd go out to eat would I want to hurry and eat my ice. I didn't crave it anymore. WILD!!! After craving something for SO LONG and to no longer really desire it, out of the blue seemed unbelievable to me.

You have probably already put the pieces together. It was the LOW IRON that was causing my craving for ice. AH HA! THAT was the reason for years that I had desired something I thought was so good. It really wasn't that it was so good, or good for me, it was that my body was deficient and it caused a craving in me for something that really wasn't so good.

Which brings me to my point... how many times in our lives...do we crave - long for something, not necessarily something physical, like ice? It may be a dream, a desire in our hearts that we have. It may be a childhood fantasy, it may be expectations of a spouse or family member, it may be unhealthy addictions.

I have come to the realization that sometimes...we CRAVE things because our spirits are deficient. There is an underlying need that our spirit man craves, yet our soulish man interprets it in a soulish way. Things we can't let go of, things that are unbalanced, mindsets that seem unrealistic. These things, and many other things can truly be signals that we are deficient of the REAL ingredient, the real "mineral", so to speak, in our life.

Once we grab hold of what our spirit is really craving, we will no longer desire things of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16 (NLT) So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves.

Yea...I know...that word "sinful" there makes it seem terrible. But I found this third definition of sinful online. Its a different look at the word.

sinful - far more than usual or expected; "an extraordinary desire for approval"; "it was an over-the-top experience"over-the-top, extraordinary immoderate - beyond reasonable limits; "immoderate laughter"; "immoderate spending"

My craving for ice was to say the least, OVER THE TOP, beyond reasonable limits. Sometimes...the things we desire aren't necessarily BAD things...they just control our lives...our thoughts...our actions. THAT is where it becomes unhealthy. And sometimes...that craving is just a symptom of a lack of the real thing we are missing.

For me, it was the mineral iron. What is it for you? What do you crave that is over the top? What do you desire so much that it seems to control your thoughts and actions. Have you ever thought that it may not be what you really NEED?

I encourage you today, examine your life. Ask God to do a little testing to see if you're out of balance or deficient in any area. If you are...ask Him to show you what you are REALLY needing. When we do that...our unhealthy cravings will no longer be, and we will be filled with what we were MEANT to be filled with.

What do YOU crave today? I would LOVE to hear from anyone on what God shows them!! He is so faithful to show us when we ask!! Have a WONDERFUL day! Blessings!

A Walk With My Master

2012-01-06T12:10:00.004-06:00

Today I went on a walk...a walk with my dog. She needs to get out more and it was a beautiful day for a walk for us both, and a good time for me to begin prayer walking. (Something God has put on my heart to do.) As always...when I take "Pretzel" (my dog) out for a walk...she is over zealous and cannot stay at my pace. She races ahead of me with all her excitement. Its obvious she cannot WAIT for this walk that is ahead of us.

As we continued to walk...the more she would get ahead of me...the more I would run out of leash and it would tug at her neck. I KNEW it had to be extremely uncomfortable for her. I kept encouraging her to stay at my pace and not get ahead of me, her master. She tried...but was quite tempted to get ahead of me.

Along the walk...I think she stopped every minute or so...jerking my side of the leash. Causing me to stop and postponing our journey. She was sniffing at every little scent she smelled...making her mark...and distracted by every sound and smell. She couldn't focus on following me and staying with me along the path. I know it is her NATURE as a dog to sniff everything and stop and bark at everything...but it would have made the journey SO MUCH easier and pleasant if she would have just chilled out and followed me! :)

I couldn't help but think about my daily walk with MY master, Christ Jesus. I know there is a journey He, my Heavenly Father, is taking me on. It is beyond what I could ever think or imagine.

1 Corinthians 2:9 says "No one's ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love him." (The Message)

That makes me excited to walk with him daily for what He has for me...cause I KNOW its going to be awesome. But like my sweet little dog "Pretzel" I don't always make the journey easier and as pleasant as it should be. I learned some lessons from her.

1. Remember to not get ahead of what God is doing, be sensitive to his pace even if it is slower than what you would like. Getting ahead of him places us in a situation where we could be hanging out on our own, and that could get quite painful not walking in HIS timing and in HIS way. Walk at HIS pace and be content with his timing. Its really the best and quickest way to your destination.

2. Don't get distracted by every little thing that comes your way while you're on your journey. I know it is our nature to get distracted (worry, become fearful, get side tracked, try to fix things ourselves, etc)...just like it was my dogs nature to be distracted by all the scents she was smelling. BUT...sometimes...in order for my journey to be more pleasant and the way the Lord intends...I have to lay aside my "natural tendencies" and just walk straight with him...trusting HIM. No need for me to figure things out...just trust and walk with Him. Its a very difficult thing to do...especially when we are dealing with our "flesh" our natural tendencies. But we can depend on the Holy Spirit to help us daily as we walk on this journey. He will give us the strength and grace to stay focused.

3. When you're tired and don't feel like you can push on...keep on pushing. Sometimes that walk, that journey, is a little longer that you had counted on. You pushed so much up front to make things happen. You got tired quicker than you were counting on. But don't give up...keep on keeping on. Galatians 6:9 says not to grow weary in doing good...for you will reap what you sow if you do not faint!!" Hang in there and keep walking with your Master on the journey He has for you. Refreshment will be at the journeys end.

I promise....the destination He has for us is so much more than we could ever imagine...but its the journey that prepares us to be fruitful and content when we get there.

My walk with my master today was indeed a pearl of purpose. Blessings on you!! Have a wonderful weekend!!

Letting Go

2011-10-07T08:54:00.011-05:00

Letting go seems to be something SO HARD to do for this organized...in control girl. I have spent my life setting goals...dreaming dreams...and expecting if I'm prepared and pull my weight...it will all work out as I have planned.

LOL....I can't help but laugh a little....and maybe even see God chuckle with love at me. He in all his creativity made me to be the planner, to be the responsible, get things done and accomplished kind of girl...He knows how I feel most comfortable working. But he ALSO tells me in His Word in Proverbs 16:9 "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps" (NLT).

This is a confusing concept for me. I have grappled with it quite a bit over the years. IF...we make our plans...(which is ok to do...) but the Lord determines our steps...then is it even important to set goals...to dream dreams? Am I wasting time and energy on things I THINK are God's will?

I personally STILL don't know this answer. I do know to seek HIM in all I do...and that would include seeking HIS heart and will in my goal planning and dreaming. But at some point...I have begun to look at myself being 40 years old now...and I'm not seeing things that I feel like God placed in me and on my heart come to fruition. I'm not even seeing it GROW for that matter. Is it still there...is it dormant and waiting for the right season still? I don't know.

This I DO KNOW....Scripture tells us in Luke 9:24 "For whoever has a desire to keep his life will have it taken from him, but whoever gives up his life because of me, will keep it." (Basic English Bible).

This can mean so much in a ton of situations. But for this situation....I hear that if I will allow my life to be lost for seeking HIM...it's ok...cause in that loosing of my life and letting go of my life (my goals and dreams)...I will find my life.

It almost doesn't make sense. How in the world can you just let go of things that are so important to you? Its hard....but I am always reminded...unless a seed falls to the ground and dies...it CANNOT bring forth fruit. That seed has to be buried...it has to crack open and allow whats inside to come out. I'm sure that is a painful process. As a matter of fact...I KNOW its a painful process. But....its a PROMISING PROCESS!!! It means when I LET GO OF, BURY, LET DIE the goals and dreams I have in my heart in order to just submit myself to HIM...I will produce fruit and harvest as he promised.

But if I do not let go and try to hold onto my life...I will loose it and in turn will not produce fruit and be fulfilled. It's the way God's economy works. You give in order to receive....you let go in order to keep....you DIE in order to LIVE!

Crazy, I know. I'm learning and doing my best to let go. Its ok for me to dream and goal plan...as long as I lay them at HIS feet. What are you holding onto today? Have you thought about letting it go for HIS sake? After all...it is in loosing ourselves that we will find ourselves. I pray we can all live lives that are full of hope and dreams that are planted deeply in the soil of GOD's heart and plans - ready to bring forth a productive and fulfilling fruit!!

Our Joseph Project

2011-08-05T10:44:00.003-05:00

I'm not sure if anyone reads my blog anymore...but I wanted to share our new project here anyway. We are calling our new project "Our Joseph Project. Our website is: www.markandbuffi.shelfreliance.com. What is this all about?!? Read below and you'll see why we're doing it!!

In Genesis, Joseph had direction from the Lord to save a portion of their food for preparation of a time of famine. For over a year now, we have felt a prompting from the Lord to get prepared. This prompting is not out of fear...it is out of a clear direction of something God has put on our heart.

It was quite overwhelming knowing how to get prepared and where to start and we continued to postpone doing anything. We watched the Tsunami in Japan come....crazy winter weather come....and lived through the largest tornado outbreak in the state of Alabama on April 27, 2011. We realized through that event in particular after a week of no power...just how unprepared we were.

We knew...it was time for us to get busy being obedient to what God had placed on our heart. Whether it is a natural disaster, a U.S. financial disaster or even a family crisis of a job loss or hospitalization...we need to be obedient and prepare.

Thus...our Joseph Project and pursuit into Shelf Reliance for our family. We are very excited about the possibility of what it will do for our family...and how we possibly will be able to help those around us. We are just beginning our journey....but it is one we are excited about and cannot wait to learn more about.

We hope you will consider a Joseph Project of your own, having the ability to provide for your family in a time of need...and also having a resource that can reach out and help others in their time of need as well.

PROVERBS 27:12 (TLB) "A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them. The simpleton never looks, and suffers the consequences."

What Do You Want Me To Do?!?!

2011-02-25T09:05:00.002-06:00

As parents…we get the joys of watching our children grow up and develop into young men and women. It is incredibly exciting to me to see their personalities develop and their own likes and dislikes begin to form.

We see natural bents in them as far as natural abilities and talents and we encourage them to explore areas where they seem to be gifted and talented. But ultimately….we want them to pursue what will make them happy and fulfilled. It is such a blessing to see your child fulfilled and walking with purpose and direction.

I love it when they come and ask me for advice…ideas…thoughts…but ultimately…it’s up to them to walk out what their hearts desire is. God places a seed inside each one of us…a seed of destiny…and as parents, we help water and nourish that seed…but it is God that causes it to grow. What kind of seed that is will not be revealed until it begins to grow and form. But that seed germinates in our hearts and lives…and through it…our likes and dislikes, dreams and desires are formed.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot…because I’ve sort of been at a crossroads in my life. Turning 40 this year has me thinking a lot about my purpose and what God wants me to do. I SO desire to walk in HIS will and HIS plan…but what I have found myself doing in the last few years is become afraid to do anything…because I wanted it to be HIS plan…and nothing of my own.

I mean…doing HIS will is what my purpose is…and it is what is going to bring me fulfillment. But I keep asking him…Lord, what is it that you have put me here for…what do you want me to do?!?! I get NO ANSWER. I’ve been extremely frustrated because I end up doing nothing, for fear of doing the wrong thing.

That’s when God brought to me the parallel of a parent and child. As our children grow up…I cannot imagine them not being stirred with passion inside themselves for fear of wanting to do what we want them to do. I LOVE it that they would want to please us…but if they constantly waited to do anything until they knew what we wanted them to do…they would either do nothing…or not listen to the passion stir inside their own heart.

That’s what God has been speaking to me….He loves that I want to do His will…but He wants me to trust the seeds of passion and desire that he’s placed in my heart and move forward with what stirs my heart. That stirring is HIS leading. The things that evoke passion and tears in my heart is God’s way of leading me. I need to trust HIM on the inside of me.

I’m not sure if any of you feel the same way. But, I want to encourage you all…as I am encouraging myself…Trust His leading in your heart…Trust the passion and stirring…don't continually stand still waiting for an audible voice or someone to speak to you something specific to do. Move forward in faith on what evokes emotion and passion in you. Don’t minimize what you’re feeling because it’s what you want and desire. Are you not seeking His heart, and will? Then as you delight in him…as you are soft and pliable in him…He will give you the desires of your heart. Those desires…just might be from him…and just might be that little seed of destiny He’s placed inside you to grow and produce great fruit. Listen to your heart, and step out!!! Don’t be afraid. Cause what God wants you to do…He’s already placed inside you. Move with your passion and let God do the rest!!!

A Healthy Endeavor

2011-01-08T22:00:00.004-06:00

Well…tonight Mark and I went to the grocery and purchased our first week and a half worth of meals for the Daniel Fast we are about to embark on. While the Daniel Fast is only 21 days…we truly desire for this to be a catapult for our entire family to begin to live a healthier life style. If we cannot take care of our bodies, and keep them healthy…how can we carry out the mission and plan that God has for our lives? We WANT to do all He has planned for us. But….we know it’s not going to be without challenge.

It was sort of comical at the grocery as we were glued to our Daniel fast list and shopped. We stayed mostly in the produce area with a couple of stops at the frozen section and maybe an aisle or two. It was SO foreign to us…because we are used to spending most of our time in all the aisles we shouldn’t. Honestly…we need an “Eating Healthy for Dummies” book. We have spent so many years eating the wrong thing and the wrong way…it’s sort of foreign to us stepping into the right way of eating.

Most of our items we knew what they were…but as embarrassed as we were…we still had to ask a store associate where several things were that we didn’t even know what it was. I mean…what are “pine nuts” and do they come from pine trees?!? What about barley? I know that’s probably a simple one for most of you…but I had NO CLUE what barley was NOR did I know where to look for it. It took the store associate a while to find it as well…but we did. (for the record…it’s like an oat or something….weird! We have a recipe it goes in. We’ll see how it tastes soon enough! LOL!)

Anyway….it was an interesting trip to the grocery, to say the least. Our basket looked like a perfect picture you’d see in some of the most awesome health food ads and stuff. We kind of felt proud of what we’d purchased because we knew it was all healthy, live food and it was all good for us! I pray for this whole time that God will help us be diligent and press through when we are having to eat things that might not be what we normally eat…or that might not even taste good. Cause we know it’s good for us, and we’ll eventually begin to like it because as I’m discovering…we crave what we eat!

With all this in mind…I realized that this journey is one that might not be easy…but I know it is what is best for us. It might take a little…no a LOT of discipline at first…but in time…it will become a delight for us. As is so many things in our Christian walk…from the very first days of being a zealous new believer…to those days when it’s hard to even pick up our Bible and pray. It’s good for us…even when it’s hard for us and we might not want to do it.

So, I look forward to the next 21 days of conditioning and discipline of prayer and promise. I pray that I can press on when its easy…and press on when its hard…that I can remember that what we’re doing is good for us and that it will help us all fulfill all God has planned for us. Pray for us as we do this….pray for our kiddos as they are embarking on a TOTALLY new way of eating. It will be challenging…be we can do it. As we tell our kiddos…we can do ALL THINGS through Christ who gives us strength. So here’s to a strong 21 days!!

Roots, Prep Work, Building....Beautiful!!!

2010-09-27T21:54:00.005-05:00

What is really beneath our struggles? What lies are we believing? What lies are we living, all because the roots that go deep in our lives have caused us to grow with a certain bent?

We have been in the process of building a guest house/cottage for my husbands parents. We have literally started from the ground up. I have to admit...I've gotten slightly irritated at what has seemed like delays to me...but you know...I've wanted to see a house on the property.

Little did I know they would have to absolutely dig up our entire back yard in order to get the septic lines prepared for the property. As if that was enough...they had to dig trenches around the perimeter of where the little cottage would be...I mean they were DEEP! THEN...concrete had to be poured completely in those huge trenches. This is what they call the foundation footers.

I had always heard how important the foundation is...but I honestly had NO CLUE so much work and preparation had to take place underground...in the technically unseen areas...before something SEEN would begin to take place.

I couldn't help but think of the awesome parallel that this is to our lives. Do we all want our lives to become all that God wants it to be? Do we want to see our hopes and dreams come to full fruition? YES...YES! We all do.

But what we have to realize is for God to build a beautiful, strong, stable structure in our lives...He has to dig deep into the soil of our lives...rip out unhealthy roots that would interfere with the stability of our structure...and then prepare all the grounds to just BEGIN to build a structure that we are hoping and dreaming for.

There is a lot of pre-work that we don't even think about that has to take place in our lives in order to begin to see what God is actually doing.

My question today is....what negative, bitter roots are in the way of what God is trying to do in our lives? What unhealthy things do we believe about ourselves, about others? Are we looking at life through filter glasses of negativity instead of faith, of hopelessness instead of hope? Take a look at what the root of your actions are. You might just be surprised at the freedom that God wants to bring by cutting that root off. He truly wants to build a beautiful structure through your life. It's exciting to even think about all that God could do...if we let him do the proper prep work on the unseen things of our lives! The finished product is sure to be a beautiful work!!

To Flourish

2009-06-19T08:18:00.004-05:00

Mark and I were recently talking about how different our lives look now. About five years ago...we were in a floundering state....or at least it felt like we were floundering and not being very productive. But now, both of us feel that it is one of the most productive times we've ever had in our lives. What's different?

Well...our situation resembles that of an orange tree that was planted in Michigan. Michigan has a cold climate...it isn't very tropical and conducive to grow a flourishing, healthy orange tree. BUT...if you take that very same tree....re-locate it to the tropical climate & soil of Florida, and that same orange tree will flourish. What's the difference.....LOCATION!

Location, location, location isn't only the motto for real estate. It's very applicable in our lives as well. Five years ago...although we were in a good place...we were not in a bad situation or anything...we just were not flourishing and we were not producing fruit like the Lord wanted us to produce. But God made a MAJOR change in our lives. It ROCKED OUR WORLD really....and we did not understand why this change was being made. But...we were obedient....we went with what the Lord was wanting us to do. We have now been here for 5 years.

Just changing our location...where we were in life...what we were doing...who we were doing it with...made all the difference in the WORLD. Speaking for myself, I am still the same person I was prior to our change, but at our old location...I was NOT producing the fruit in my life that I am producing right now. I'm sure there are many factors contributing to this...but the main one is location.

If you feel that you are floundering, and not producing the fruit that you KNOW God wants to come from your life....pray about where you are...YOUR location. This may or may not mean moving towns. It may just mean switching jobs or vocations...it may mean the circle of friends you have...it may be anything....that's only something the Lord can speak to you about.

But this I know... that Orange tree in Florida is doing what it was intended to do...because it's in the right location. Are YOU? It's just something to think about today!!! Have a great weekend!

What Kind of Clay are You?

2009-05-08T07:48:00.002-05:00

So this week...I heard this story, and I have not been able to get it out of my mind. It really spoke to me, and I would like to share it with you. Maybe it will speak to your heart as well!

Not long ago, several home school families were on a field trip. It was sort of a trade day of sorts. As a couple of moms walked through to look at all the arts and crafts...they came upon this potter. He was working away with his clay and wheel. It was amazing to watch this craftsman at work.

As they watched...they began to ask the potter about himself. He gladly answered their questions as he continued to work. One mom asked him where he was from. He said Gadsden. She thought that was SO interesting. She proceeded to tell this potter that several of the other potters there at the craft show were ALSO from Gadsden.

Not surprised, the potter nonchalantly said, "OH...that's not uncommon. You will always find a potter where the clay is good!"

OK...WOW...did that hit you like it did me?!?! The potter will always be where the clay is good!!!! What a powerful statement! Of course....as a Christian, I recognize our Lord as the master potter. So I had to look up what makes clay good for being used. Wow....here are some things I found.

1. Plasticity: Without a very high level of flexibility, the clay simply won't be workable on the wheel.

Plasticity must be something the Lord is working with me on daily!!!! He is teaching this little choleric gal to be flexible...to learn to roll with the punches...and not get so worked up when things don't go my way. We MUST be flexible in our daily walk other wise...we'll break!

As you are on the potters wheel of life...remember...BE FLEXIBLE when the Lord applies strength and pressure in order to mold you. It will make things SO MUCH easier!!!

2. Strength: Throwing clays must be highly plastic, but also retain enough strength to stand upright when thrown into thin-walled, tall forms.

This is a challenge. Being flexible while remaining strong! A TRUE challenge...but something we call all strive for. We have to be strong enough during these times of strength and pressure to retain the shape that God is molding in us. A challenge...but yes...POSSIBLE!!!

3. Water Absorption: Clay absorbs water while it is being formed on the potter's wheel, which is why the longer a clay is worked on the wheel, the softer it becomes.

What could represent this water? Hmmmm...my guess is the Word of God and the Holy Spirit continually speaking to us as we are being formed into the Potters desire. As we continue to receive....the softer we become and the easier it is to mold us.

Honestly...these things just scrape the surface of all that is in that little statement...'the potter is always where the clay is good." This is a multi-layered statement that I will probably be "chewing on" for a while.

But, I couldn't resist sharing it with you all!!! So, I pose the question...what kind of clay are we? Do we posses the qualities of "good clay"? Where we KNOW the potter is going to be working on us and making us who He wants us to be?

As the Lord today to reveal to you what kind of clay you are! He wants to do SO MUCH in and through us! I pray that we are ALL mold able!!

I leave you with one of my favorite scriptures. "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Delight here means..."be soft and pliable". I believe that is our goal...to be soft and pliable and let the master potter create the master design in our lives!!!

I'm going for now...but I will continue to ponder this statement. What kind of clay am I? I want the Potter to be working with me!

Please Pray for Our Friends

2009-05-04T21:14:00.001-05:00

We have some friends that are in China NOW, and just got their little girl last night (our Sunday night). Their little girl, Lili-Kate is sick...running fever...cough...not eating. They are not treating her with antibiotics...but with Chinese meds. Please pray for healing for Lili-Kate....and pray for Divine connections for Jeff & Bobbie to connect with someone that can help them help Lili. Here is their blog link: http://ourjourneytomeetlili-kate.blogspot.com/

I know they would appreciate your prayers. I will keep you posted as news comes in.
Blessings,
Buffi

Change

2009-04-24T08:35:00.003-05:00

Change....it seems to be a word that we are hearing a lot of lately. Look at the beautiful color change in that flower above. Without that dramatic color change...that flower wouldn't be as magnificent.

I have to first admit...I am not too thrilled with all the changes going on in our government and our country. The phrase, "not too thrilled" would be mild for me to say. But, I DO have to say...CHANGE IS GOOD. Let me elaborate.

About 4 to 6 weeks ago...we purchased a new (well...new to US) vehicle. We had been contemplating a trade for a long time. Our oldest daughter, 10, absolutely LOST IT (her composure) while we were in the Toyota place trading in our old van for the new SUV. She was bawling!!! She DID NOT want us to get rid of our old van. It was HERS. It had been since she was a baby. It was a PART OF HER.

We were so torn in there because we didn't want to be insensitive to her sensitivities... but we REALLY needed to make this trade. We just had to tell her we were going to do it. And we did. While waiting for paperwork to process...we took her out to our old van...and took probably 20 pictures of her with the van. We took a picture of her hugging the van....sitting in the drivers seat...really...we took a picture from EVERY ANGLE. She was just SO upset. (I know we'll look back one day and laugh at those pictures)

Anyway...6 weeks later...she is good. She actually likes our new one because she has "control" of their air input. (Yes....I think I have a little choleric on my hands!! She loves control!!) Anyway...something I have noticed over the last 6 weeks is we have kept the vehicle SO CLEAN. I've been amazed. I mean....with our old van...we could clean it one day and it would be trashed the next.

This has gotten me to thinking about change. Change...whether it's a good change...or a bad change....causes us to re-evaluate what we do and why we do it. We're FORCED to make adjustments. Most of them are probably needed adjustments.

I've recently began working part time. I LOVE IT...but it has caused some MAJOR change around our house. I'm STILL trying to find a norm. But we are re-evaluating what we do...how we do it and why we do it...and we are making MUCH NEEDED changes in our home...and in our family and priorities. The change has helped to give us a different perspective.

As for our country and the changes that we are facing....it has definitely caused us to re-evaluate our priorities, and has caused us to be more driven by our convictions. The times are leading us away from being able to be "grey" about certain things. We have to stand up for what we believe in...and live a life that reflects the principles we stand on. All these changes...while we don't like them...has really helped us gain a new perspective on preparing for our future. And I tell you...we needed it.

This is what was on my mind this morning. I pray for those of you out there...who like my daughter...do not like or welcome change....that you will try to see what good will come out of this change. It's a process...but it's worth it to have our attitudes focused properly!!! Have a wonderful weekend!

Go Sing Your Song!!!

2009-04-07T17:32:00.004-05:00

I have been INCREDIBLY busy trying to adjust to being a "working" mom and wife. Things are going GREAT!!! I've just got to find the new norm. I'm still reading blogs and keeping up with many of you...I'm just not posting as much. I will get back soon. BUT...until then...I wanted to share with you a post from one of my blogger friends. It is a wonderful parallel and I think it's something that each one of us should hear! I won't give it away...but this I will say...Be yourself...and make sure and sing YOUR song...the song the Lord has given YOU!!!! Here is the link.....Go check it out! It's an amazing post!!!

It's That Time of the Year

2009-03-23T08:49:00.002-05:00

Some people dread this time of the year because honestly...it's a lot of hard work. Mark and I actually enjoy this work. it's cathartic for us. This work I'm referring to is YARD WORK! Now first...I have to admit, I've got the easy job....I RIDE the lawn mower!! :) My hubby has all the tough stuff such as pushing and trimming and weed eating. But we both really enjoy it...that is, until about August and then we're ready for a break!!

So, this weekend was our 1st weekend to get our lawn back in shape. We were so excited because the finished product of a nice looking yard is SO REWARDING!!!

As I was mowing the back yard on Saturday though...something really struck me. About two years ago, we sodded our whole backyard with Bermuda Sod. It was BEAUTIFUL!!! It was so nice and thick and just a lovely thick carpet of grass to look at!

A few months after we had laid the sod...(it was the next season, I think)...we noticed some weeds coming up in the sod. It was VERY obvious....and looked TERRIBLE!!! We didn't want anything to dis-unify the look of our yard...so we got the correct stuff to kill those weeds and feed that grass. But you know what? After a while...we just got tired of doing it! So...the next time we saw some weeds come up...we thought...oh...they'll die and then the grass will come through in the summer. We let those weeds go.

Our lazy attitudes toward weeding has gone on for a couple of years. So, this Saturday, as I was mowing the back yard...I was SHOCKED! MOST of the back yard was now weeds. All that Bermuda grass has been overtaken.

Now...there is still some of the Bermuda there...but most of what we see are weeds. I couldn't believe that our action of leaving the weeds alone not only left us looking at weeds each spring...but it also crowded out the beautiful lawn too. So now, when we cut our yard and sit back to enjoy it...while it may look good for a bit of time, it's mostly WEEDS! UGH. NOT a pretty sight.

Of course the parallel isn't very difficult to see here. We all need to do "daily weeding" in our own lives. It's amazing how the weeds (the bad stuff) will take over if we do not cut it down and make room for all the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, temperance, self-control) . It happens before we know it. The absence of these things are the indicator that our lives are "weedy" and needs some spiritual round up and weed-n-feed!!!

I'm sure we all know that that "weed and feed" for our lives is the Word of God...The Bible. Romans 12:2 says, "do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the RENEWING of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God".

Just like we need to be weeding our yard, our gardens, and our landscapes daily...we need to be weeding our mind, our hearts and our motives with the Word of God. This is, and prayer, are our only weapons against "weeds" taking over in our lives.

So, as I was mowing the lawn...I just believe the Lord was reminding me how this "spiritual weeding" is important...and I truly felt that I need some of that "round up" in my life! I've got too many weeds that are crowding out the good things that I know are in my life.

I encourage each one of you...as you begin your spring yard work...begin some spring "spiritual yard work" and examine yourselves. I have and there are SO MANY areas that I need to renew. It's just a good time to do it...a good time to focus on it! I want to be all that the Lord wants me to be. And like that Bermuda grass...I don't want the good things...to be crowded out by those seemingly insignificant little weeds. If I allow it...they will eventually take over! And I DON'T want that!!

Blessings on you guys!!! Happy Weeding!

Silence....Listening

2009-03-17T08:48:00.003-05:00

Are there ever times in your life where you feel that you're not sure if the Lord is speaking anything at all to you? I have felt like that lately. I have been SO BUSY with life...that it just doesn't seem that I hear Him speak to me. I have tried SO hard to have something GREAT to post about....but it's just not there! Silence....As I think hard and try to press into what the Lord might be saying....nothing...Silence.

Have any of you ever been there? I don't really like this place. I LOVE communication...with anyone...but I especially love to hear from the Lord. I've just been dry. A Change of seasons may be the reason...who knows! But this morning as I was thinking about this Silence...I was reminded of one of my all time FAVORITE songs... "He Is Not Silent" by Out of the Grey. You've GOT to listen to the song...but here are the lyrics to the chorus:

But He is not silent
He is not whispering
We are not quiet
We are not listening
He sends a lifeline
We keep resisting Him
He is not silent
We are not listening

Wow...that REALLY hit me this morning. Is He really silent...or am I just not listening?!?! Hmmmmmm. Maybe He's speaking to me in the every day irritations that I experience. These things maybe shouldn't be irritants.....Maybe He's saying...Buffi...put down that book; Buffi...get off the computer; Buffi...be a better steward of your time; Buffi...remember the song "Cats in the Cradle"; Buffi...you're not listening!!!!!

For those of us that have children....how frustrating is it when our kids do not listen to us?!? I've told my husband over and over..."How hard can it be for them to just obey the first time we say something?!?!" I mean...it's easy...isn't it? You just OBEY!!! I have gotten SO frustrated to the point that I am yelling at the kids because they don't obey and they don't listen. But really...AM I LISTENING TO AND OBEYING the Lord?!?

I'm asking myself that this morning. Is God Silent...or am I not listening? I know my kids just don't listen. Maybe they are just imitating what they see in me?!? OOh...it stings...I know. But it's just where I am!

So I ask you the question this morning....Is God Silent....or are you not listening? Check out the song above....I think you'll like it! I pray that we can all find the place where we really LISTEN to what God is saying. Sometimes it's subtle...like a whisper. We've got to be in the place to listen! I pray for each one of us this morning that we will hear and obey the promptings of the Lord.

My Lack of Posts....

2009-03-11T13:20:00.001-05:00

Hey guys...I am SO SORRY for my lack of posts lately. It has been so busy. Not only did I have that TERRIBLE stomach bug that took me 4 days to get over...I've started a new part time job and I am still trying to get myself acclimated. I will post soon. I do have some things to say...just no time to say them!! :) I just wanted to give everyone heads up for where I've been!!! I'll post soon...HOPEFULLY!! Have a great week!
Blessings,
Buffi

Company is Coming!!!

2009-02-23T13:02:00.003-06:00

I'm not sure what "Company is Coming" means at your house...but at ours...it means we will have a production to just get READY for company to come. I'm not one of those "fancy" entertainers either. I just want people to come in and make themselves at home. When we entertain...it's always casual and laid back. But because it is such a huge ordeal just to get my house in order for company...I don't always invite people over. It's sort of sad. But usually the best way for us to get our house good and clean...IS to invite people over!! :)

(As an aside...My hubby said yesterday we should invite someone to ride in our van with us, so we would get it cleaned too!) Terrible, huh? I'm just being honest.

Honestly...I will just put off or avoid all together having anyone over to my house...because it's just not in a condition to have company and it's SO MUCH WORK to get it there. (I am a Type A personality and I LOVE to have things together at all times....but something has happened to me between one child...and three that I have just had to learn to let things go. Which...COULD be considered "growth" in my situation).

But...to postpone having people over because it's a lot of work is so bad on my part. Especially when I think of the wonderful time we always have when we have company. You see...friendships become stronger....some new friendships and connections are formed...and memories are made. It's a wonderful thing to do....and I just don't do it enough...all because it's a lot of work.

Think about it though...for us to be at a state of growth....and growing...we have to place ourselves in an "uncomfortable" position. The whole "production" of getting my house together is a dreaded ordeal....but it is SO good that I get it done because it allows for me to connect with friends that I would not have otherwise.

There are so many "comfort zones" of ours that need to be broken in order for us to go to the next level. It seems to be a place that I find myself in very often lately...which is why I keep writing about getting out of our comfort zones. Don't avoid things...just because they're out of the norm...or because it's a lot of work...or because you've never done it. STEP OUT...don't look at the whys or hows? Look at the why nots!!!

Peter (in the Bible) gets a bad wrap sometimes because "he sank when he took his eyes off of Christ". But I tell you what...I think it was AWESOME that he got out of the boat...regardless of the circumstances or his comfortableness...and he just DID IT!!! I admire that so much! He didn't find reasons not to do it...he just did it!!! I want to be that way!

How many things in your life would you step out and do today if you didn't think about how uncomfortable you would be...or all the reasons why you shouldn't do it? Think about it.....the possibilities are limitless. Don't miss out on the unexpected blessings just because it may be a little work...or it may be out of the norm! God is SO AWESOME. He tends to take us to those things that are "out of ourselves" and makes something wonderful from it!

So...with that in mind....I'm having company...and I don't care that I've got to prepare all week for it...and that it's a little exhausting to get things all together. I'm excited about it! I'm stepping out of something I'd RATHER do...and doing something for a greater reward....friendships! :) Hope yall have a great week!

But WHY?!?!

2009-02-11T12:05:00.000-06:00

I'm sitting here with my miniature schnauzer staring me down. I'm her "mom" and I SO know what she wants. Not just anyone would know. You see...her bowl is full of water and full of food. So what in the WORLD would she want??! Well...once every day or so...I will give her some "wet food". You know that stinky stuff that dogs just LOVE?!? (little Caesars or pedigree) "Pretzel", our dog, LOVES it. So...she is sitting here BEGGING for me to give her some wet food and I won't. She CONTINUES TO STARE. It's a little annoying. You see...I know that we have very wet, bad weather coming and I know...when she eats that wet food...she could be in a "pickle" when the weather comes through. Why you ask....because she will not go outside to potty when it rains. She will hold it as long as she can. But that wet food....doesn't always allow her to wait...if you know what I mean! (hee hee)

You see...I KNOW...why I'm not giving it to her...but she doesn't. And she looks all pitiful. Like I'm not showing her love. But really...I am. I know she's going to be in a bad situation if I give it to her right now. I know just the right time to give it to her. She just has to trust me!

Isn't that the way it is with us and God? How do we respond when something we are SO DESPERATELY praying for doesn't happen when we want? I know I feel convicted! I'm definitely a "want it right now" kind of girl!!! But you know....God knows what is best for us...and WHEN is best for us too...doesn't He? We may not always understand it...but we just have to know that God knows we could be in a "pickle" too if we get what we're wanting at the wrong time!

I just wanted to be an encouragement today. When we're all feeling that impatient feeling when things are not going like we want and we're asking WHY GOD!!!! Just remember...God knows what you want and desire...and He wants to give it to you. But He wants it to be the perfect timing for you so you can enjoy it to the fullest!! Trust HIM today!!! Know that He is SO an ON TIME GOD!!! With much love....

The Tyranny of the Urgent

2009-02-04T07:49:00.000-06:00

About a month ago, I put a survey on the right side of this blog. The survey asked..."What is your greatest struggle"? To my surprise...it was "time management". I'm not sure why this was a surprise for me....but it really was. I thought maybe some others might be where the majority of us struggle. But wow...time management is the biggest area of struggle to those of you that participated in the survey.

In 1967, Charles Hummel wrote a book called "The Tyranny of the Urgent". (For those book lovers out there...you should check it out). In his book though... Hummel said, it is not so much a shortage of time as a problem of priorities. Or, as a cotton mill manager once told him, "Your greatest danger is letting the urgent things crowd out the important."

What urgent things crowd out your important things? Look at your life like a jar. It begins every day empty....ready to be filled with the important things....and the "stuff of life". You know...literally, you can get more rocks and sand in a jar....if you put the big rocks in first...then once the biggest things are in and set...then all the little grains of sand will filter through and fill the crevasses left open by the big rocks.

I leave you with a question....What are YOUR priorities....the most important things in your life? Set these things in place first...daily. Then when the "stuff of life" creeps in to steal your time...you will know what to give priority to. Set priorities...I believe this is HUGE in helping you with time management of your day. You will know what to say "no" to, and what to say "yes" to. Too many of us try to do everything...and we just can't! And it is OK to say NO! If it doesn't line up in your list of priorities....then don't give it the prominence it is demanding. The "urgent" things in life try to do that....but we have to learn what we can...and can't do. Don't let the "stuff of life" steal your time! Set priorities...and live by them daily!!!

On another note....don't forget to read my post below. I don't usually post two days in a row. I want to leave enough time for everyone to read my posts. But yesterday I shared something that I think many of you would like. Check it out!!! Now...go and have a GREAT day and remember... don't let the urgent, crowd out your important!!!

HAD to Share This!!!

2009-02-03T08:58:00.000-06:00

I have the privilege of being involved in our worship ministry at church. (www.therockfwc.org) It is such a HUGE part of my heart. We have a fairly new worship leader that I feel equally as privileged to be learning from. His name is Caleb Box and wow....what a blessing he has been to our church. One of his mentors is Lenny LeBlanc...(just in case any of you have heard of him). Anyway...he has a worship CD that our whole family just loves and I had to share it with you guys. He has a site where you can listen and download some of it if you'd like. I think you would be blessed by it! Here is the link where you can go listen and download. www.vortexworship.com
You know...when I find something good...I've just GOT to share it!!! Hope you enjoy it as much as we have!! Have a great week!

The Black Shirt

2009-01-27T10:35:00.001-06:00

Ok, I have a confession! About 7 or 8 years ago...I purchased a black shirt from a second hand store. I LOVED it! It was from New York and Company...(which is BY FAR my favorite store!!) I think I got it for like $5. A GREAT buy. What is so good about this shirt is that it's Polyester and no matter what you do with it...(wad it up....lay it in a pile...leave it in the dryer too long...) it looks great!! It doesn't wrinkle or anything. It became my favorite shirt!!!

The bad thing is...after almost 10 years...it is STILL my favorite shirt and my husband BEGS me not to wear it anymore. I know, I know...we all have our favorite things that we like to put on...but I believe that I take this black shirt to a new level. I literally could wear it everyday of the week. You know...I'm a stay home mom...I don't really go anywhere that much...and if I do...it's not anywhere consistent...so I won't see the same people. So...I just put it on every morning! (I know...I'm sure it's gross to some of you out there!!)

Anyway...this morning I found myself putting on that same black shirt again...and I wondered "why in the world do I wear this all the time?" So I started to think about it....Well...it's comfortable first thing. I feel like it to some degree looks nice if I had to go out unexpectedly, at least it's better than a slouchy t-shirt. Also...I don't have to think about what to wear. I hate having to put forth effort into worrying what to wear each day. It's a habit....something I've just gotten used to doing for the last decade almost...and it's just plain comfortable for me to do.

But when I began to think about this, I thought to myself...this really can't be a good thing. My hubby is right. PLEASE....wear something different...don't stay in the same old rut.

Yes...I'm talking about clothes....but this can SO be applied to life. What do we do when we get into a "funk" a "rut"? We revert back to our old, comfortable way of doing things. Which most of the time, isn't good for us to do, because our old ways need to be renewed and refined. It's just easier to do things the way we used to...or the way that is comfortable. It's WORK to change the way we look at certain situations....or what we choose to do with our days, or respond to certain situations. It's just plain uncomfortable to step out of our routine and do something different, isn't it?

I'm reminded of the scripture in Romans where it talks about not doing things in the same pattern as the world. You know...we can look at "the world" as the secular things out there...or we can look at it as "our world" the way we do things in our little world...those comfortable, easy things that really require no thought or effort on our part to do. Our little "ruts" that we get into. Read here that scripture from The Message.

Romans 12:2 (The Message)
1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

The KEY.....is "God helping You". FIX our attention on HIM....and the way HE wants us to respond and what HE wants us to do. After all...isn't that the BEST way?!?! And yes....EVEN the way I think about how much I hate to think about what I'm going to wear. It's a rut...a negative way for me to think and I just need to DAILY ask God to help me so I can finally lay this black shirt down.

What's the black shirt in your life today? What do you pick up on a daily basis that is maybe a bad way of thinking....a negative or selfish action....or a careless flippant way of living? We've all got to lay our comfortable "black shirts" down, and choose a new way of living...a new way of looking at life! I challenge you today.....choose God's way of looking at things....Lay your "black shirts down!!"
Love you all!

Being A Difference Maker

2009-01-20T09:59:00.001-06:00

I am sitting here in awe....watching millions of people celebrate the inauguration of America's 44th president. I am SO taken back at the significance and history of this moment. (I pray that our kids are able to see it at school because it is such a huge moment). You know...it doesn't matter if we agree or disagree with the policies of President Obama....we know that all authority is given by our Lord....and he wouldn't be there unless it was allowed and appointed of God.

I'm amazed and so blessed when I see where Barak Obama has come from. It is a very hopeful moment for many, many people. I cannot help but think about Esther in the bible. She represented hope for SO MANY PEOPLE...and yet who would have ever though that SHE would be the one to help make a difference. After all...who was she? What was HER background...what were her credentials? Who did SHE know? Why would she be the one chosen? Obviously...we all know because it was ordained and appointed by God! God takes a little and makes it a lot! He does more with unexpected things than we could ever imagine! So whether or not I agree with what President Barak Obama is doing...I do know that he is in this office, like Esther, for such a time as this. And I pray for his success in this office....because his success, means the success of our wonderful and blessed America.

You know....you and I are where we are, for such a time as this too. We are DIFFERENCE MAKERS....we CAN change the world from where we are. It doesn't matter what our past is...or where we are from, or who our family is. Do you think that President Obama's grandmother knew he would be the 44th president of the United States when she realized she would be the one to raise and bring him up in the absence of his mother and father? Of course not! But she was a difference maker....just where she was. She chose to make good decisions and raise him in the best way that she could. It makes a difference even in the little things.

We are difference makers....chosen to be where we are for this time in our lives. Whether you're a stay at home mom or dad....or whether you're busy at work in your career, you are a difference maker and we can change the atmosphere of where we are....it all depends on us...and our attitudes and actions. My husband always tells me....and we tell our children that our attitude determines our altitude.

So I urge you today....this very historical day...to not only look at the significance and history of what is happening....but also realize that you are SO VERY SPECIAL and you are chosen too, to be a difference maker. You leave an imprint on each and every person you connect with daily. I pray that we are able to make a difference in the world around us. Be encouraged....you are here too, for such a time as this!!!!

Do We REALLY Believe?

2009-01-12T11:22:00.000-06:00

There are SO many promises in God's Word....but do we really believe? I've been faced with choosing to believe something this week. I know what God's word says concerning healing....It says that by Jesus' stripes...we were healed. But yet....I find myself questioning his promise. Let me share with you where I am today.

Our church is doing a 21 day Daniel Fast. Let me just say...WOW I'm hungry!! :) But I am pressing through and wanting to be faithful through this fast because I want to know HIM more...I want to know HIS plan daily and I want to lay down my desires and take up His. Doing this fast makes me very aware of the weaknesses in my body and how important it is that I depend on him.

So...you know when you set out on a journey to seek HIM and to press into HIM more...He's going to show up, right? Well...before I tell you what happened to me a couple of nights ago...let me go back a few years.

After my son was born...I realized something wasn't right with my body. It turned out that I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism and then eventually Hashimoto's Disease. It is a Auto Immune Thyroid disease. (If you want to know more about it...you can look it up.) Basically...I have to take a pill every morning the rest of my life to keep it regulated. It's a pain in the rear actually. But...for the last 4 years, I've just lived with it and accepted it because it's what the doctor said. I've prayed for healing...but never pressed through to believe God for it.

So...a couple of nights ago...we were all asleep and I was awakened by a very strong pressing and burning in the area where my thyroid is. I thought it might be heartburn or something...I didn't know right off the bat. Then my mind went immediately this worship song. Here are the lyrics:
"You Dance over Me....while I am unaware...you sing all around...but I never hear the sound. Lord I'm amazed by you...Lord I'm amazed by you...Lord I'm amazed by you...how you love me"

I LOVE this song by the way. The part that I kept hearing was You dance over me while I am unaware. How often are we asleep but yet the Lord is dancing around us? he LOVES us so much and wants to communicate to us!

Anyway....As I began to focus on this...I started to feel that burning pressing in my thyroid again. UGH...what is this I thought. Then I felt the Lord say to my heart "I'm healing your thyroid right now". ok...wow...Lord...I just began to praise him and thank him for it....and I began declaring over my thyroid it's wholeness.

I didn't say anything about it to anyone until after church on Sunday afternoon. I couldn't get it out of my mind. I really felt like the Lord spoke to me and told me this. My thyroid even seems smaller, (I have a goiter that is sometimes easy to see.) But I was nervous to tell anyone in fear that "what if it wasn't God that told me this." Why was I thinking this?!?!

I KNEW I HAD to tell someone out of faith...trusting and believing what I felt God speak to my heart that night. So I told Mark, my hubby, and he stood with me praising God for His word and His promise. I'm not doing anything different....and I will have the confirmation for sure when I go to the doctor for my annual check up. But I am standing in faith on His word...because I KNOW he says we are HEALED!!

Do you REALLY believe His Words and promises today? What does HE want to do for you today? It's so easy to just believe the reports of the doctors...or statistics...or even your feelings. But HIS report is the report we should believe.

You know...this particular post is about healing...and faith. That can be applied to many different areas of your life. Faith is the substance of things hoped for...and the evidence of things not seen. Step out and trust what His word says...and live boldly and be witnesses to all those around of God's great love. Search your heart...do you really believe?

p.s. Don't forget to answer the poll on the right of the blog. It's helping me SO much!

Used Coffee Grounds

2009-01-06T09:32:00.000-06:00

A few years ago, my precious husband bought me this awesome 1 cup coffee brewer for Mothers Day. He knew how much I LOVED to drink coffee, especially in the mornings...but because he didn't drink coffee...I wouldn't fix a pot just for me. So...I just didn't do coffee at all!

Let me tell you...I LOVE this machine!! It's called the Keurig Coffee Maker. (I totally recommend it). The only bad thing about it now is that ever since I've gotten it...my kids want to drink the coffee with me. The machine uses little K-cups that is enough for 1 cup of coffee. So, if they want some...I'd have to use another one...but that would get VERY expensive. So I either share, or let them re-use my grounds. Now...I love being able to share a "moment" with them...but after a while...it gets a little ridiculous! I just want MY coffee...for MY time! Anyone know what I mean!?!? :)

Well...our oldest daughter has really developed a taste for good coffee. (I'm not sure if that is GOOD or not...but she has!). With our many "Mother/Daughter" trips to Starbucks...how could she NOT develop that taste for coffee!!

So last week...she came through the house and asked me if she could have some coffee. I reluctantly told her she could use my used grounds...but it wouldn't be as strong!

At that moment....(it was a God moment)...I just felt like the Lord spoke to my heart and said EXACTLY!!!! I had to stop and think about what He was saying to me.

Used coffee grounds will make "watered down" coffee. So...getting my "quiet time...my time that is supposed to be from HIM" from someone else's quiet time...while it may be good information and edifying...it is watered down and not as strong and powerful as it would be if it came directly from HIM! Wow!!! So good!!

Time management is difficult for me sometimes. I don't always get the most important things in there first...then I have to just cram in what I can get in, when I can get it in. But because I'm doing that...I'm not living and walking in the strongest and most powerful way that I can.

We have GOT to get that FRESH cup of the Lord every morning. FRESH from HIM!!! AHHHH....I can just smell it!!! It is so good!!! I encourage all of us to not just live off of used grounds from others quiet time...but to crave that aroma that only comes from HIM every morning. He's waiting on us...all we have to do is go to Him and get it!! :)

This is something I am definitely needing to work on. It IS a weakness of mine...but I know when I'm weak...HE is strong and He will give me the desire and the discipline to do it!!! All I have to do is ask....You too!!

I hope you have a day started on fresh grounds from the Lord!!!! There's nothing like it first thing in the morning!! :)

Why "Pearls of Purpose?"

2008-12-31T21:21:00.000-06:00

While I've made our family blog a more private blog...I wanted to continue blogging and sharing my faith and all that I learn through life. Why have I named this blog "Pearls of Purpose" you ask? Well...a few months ago, the Lord woke me up in the middle of the night and placed it on my heart to look up online "the formation of pearls". I thought it was SO ODD...to be up in the middle of the night looking this up. But I did and what I found really surprised me.

For years....I thought that "I" was the pearl that the Lord was creating as He was working on me to be all He created. But what I found was that WE are the oysters who have opportunity to create pearls with the bits of "sand and irritation" we experience in our lives. After all....that's what a pearl is....it begins as an irritant inside the muscle of the oyster. The oyster secretes "mother of pearl" to coat the "irritant" to prevent the pain or struggle from that irritant. It's this "mother of pearl" that makes the pearl so beautiful.

But what I find SO interesting is that God uses something SO ordinary....even aggravating...to create something beautiful. Isn't that how it is in our lives? God takes us to places where we are weak and allows us to experience things that might not be easy for US....but THROUGH HIM...they become less and less of irritants...and more beautiful through time. He gets so much of the glory that way when it's all about HIM, and nothing of ourselves!!

This is where the name of my new blog comes from..."Pearls of Purpose!" God knows what He is doing by placing each of us in the places we are. He's working HIS purpose in us, through our weaknesses.

I don't know about you...but I find my days are filled with little "irritants....weaknesses....struggles" and I want my thoughts to immediately go to what the Lord is teaching me and working in me. I hope that through my learning and growing....you may be encouraged and uplifted to know that we are really all in this together and can encourage one another by what each of us are learning in life!

Thanks for joining me on my new blog! I pray we can walk together through things.....and be there for one another through things. Then...on the other side...look back at all the beautiful jewels that God has created in our lives!!! What a way to start a new year....looking for what God is doing in each of life's seemingly insignificant struggles. But OH...how they aren't insignificant...they could just be the very thing that is going to make us shine!!!

I encourage you....look for the "pearls of purpose" in your life today!