God...Does dying to flesh really include those cute boots?

As a women I naturally have a love for shoes. However like parents teach our children we some times can not get what we want. I am thankful for this physical representation of a bigger spiritual battle that has been going on. Being a single women is a glorious thing. As I have sought to enjoy and savor this time in my life I am even more amazed by those around me who think that contentment as a single women is impossible. Older sisters in Christ often plant seeds of discontentment in my heart by their very words to me. What has intended to bring encouragement often causes a spiritual war to raise inside as me. I am called to walk as a single women gloriously with God daily. I have been given tasks to accomplish and adventures to be experienced. I do not know what all is in store for me. For the past few weeks the Lord has gloriously helped me welcome the unknown with open arms. Freedom is a glorious thing! I just wish other women are able to experience this same freedom. Sometimes what we think we really want is something we don't need at all. If God takes care of the needs of the sparrows how much more with he take care of His beloved daughters.

Moving Forward

My life is going forward. The work I do is good, I have learned so much about myself. Yet, I am so tired of living like gypsy. I want a place of my own to call home. A place where I can grow things, shoot guns and see the blanket of stars. There is a place that is open to do this at the end of February but rent is too much and even then making rent will still be tricky. So what is a girl to do? Pray. I have no idea what is happening in my life. The only facts that are true is that I get the opportunity to love children every day. That is what I am most thankful for. I just wish I would remember the little sparrows more often.

Working Out with Gaston

"No, I will get the weights you just need to rest." My heart lept in my chest as the deep voice resonated in my ears. The man belonging to that voice was my very own personal trainer Gaston (Not his real name). For one hour he walked me through my training routine at the gym. Spotting when needed and telling me also when I needed to tighten my muscles during my workout. I must say I have never enjoyed a workout as I did yesterday. The reasons could have been because I was working intensely and experienced the satisfaction of a job well done. Or the fact that I had my own personal Greek God assisting me in workout. I think that later is more close to the truth. Either way the gym will definitely being bringing me a little more delight than normal. I am thankful for my own person Gaston except mine is not the villian. There are times like this that I am thankful to be a single women. Even though one day I hope my future husband will appreciate the fruits of this labor and need to give a hearty than you to my Gaston.

(P.S This message will not appear linked to my facebook, only my faithful followers will get to here this message.)

"Good Things"

Contentment is a beautiful thing! The real issue is not that are we content but are we willing to be content. Well Paul talked about being content in all circumstances, his heart and mind were willing to be content. He focused not on his physical position or possessions but instead the heavenly perspective of Christ. I have challenge my students since being back to daily reflect on the "good" things that Christ has done. Some of them may not seem like good in the world eyes but still they are. So when we are struggling with believing that we are content I know I must take my own lesson and remember the "good" that have come and things to look forward to. Here are just a few:

Good Things:
An amazing New Year's Party filled with Bagpipes, dancing, canons and fabulous fellowship.

Seeing the growth in my children just after two weeks.

Daily laughter and funny sentences.

Learning to depend on Christ daily for my daily bread in His Word

The amazing jr.high youth group adventures that are coming up!

Bear Hugs from people I love.

A hard run on treadmill

Swing Dancing

Long chats with both old and new friends

Redeeming something that is broken

Deep covers on a cold night, plus fuzzy pj's

The look of a tiny child as they discover something new

Sunrises and Sunsets

My list could go on and on. Even though these are physical things which is not the point of this blog today. God still delights in seeing the hearts of his children delighting in the gifts that he has given us. All good things do come from him.

Also this picture seemed appropriate for the article it made me laugh!