Thursday, January 27, 2011

I Am Not Being Rebellious!

I am a firm believer in 'trying' to take one day at a time, enjoying each season as it comes, and accepting the weather as the Good Lord sees fit to give it.  I honestly cringe when I hear people say things like: "I can't wait until the weekend!" (when it's only Monday!)  "I hate Mondays!"  "I can't wait for cooler weather." and then, when it's cooler weather, "I hate this weather, I wish Summer would hurry and get here."  I've been guilty of some of the same, especially when I was younger, but I've just come to the conclusion that each day is a gift from God.  We can be cheerful and speak blessings, or, we can wish our lives away.  For instance, I live in Mississippi, so, I expect the weather to be very unpredictable.  Why we act so surprised when we are sweatin' down to our undies in July is beyond me.  And on the other hand, unlike this past Christmas, we can 'dream' all we want, but, most years, if you live in Mississippi, you won't have a White Christmas!   I remember one Christmas, we had the windows raised, the ceiling fans going, and we were wearing short sleeved shirts.  You Just NEVER Know!  Don't be surprised if you turn on the air conditioner in the day time and the heater at night anytime in October through April, IF you live in Mississippi.  So, I figure, taking one day at a time weather wise is one way to cut back on stress.   Moving on to Mondays!  Monday mornings are a gift, just like Saturday mornings.  Why do we hate Mondays?  Monday morning is a nice, clean, fresh beginning; REALLY, it is!  And who knows; Tuesday may never be ours to enjoy.  Do you hate Winter?  Spring may never come.  My point?  Enjoy each day as if it's the only day you  have...it just could be!  Do I ever complain?   Yes, I am human.  BUT, I am aware of when I do complain about such as I've written here, and, I try to stop, repent, and thank God for the generous gift of life.   There are many good things about each season.  God gives us variety.  Seasons are sort of like meals; most people don't want the same thing to eat all the time, and if the weather were the same all the time, I know I'd get a bit bored and tired of it.  I love rain, but when we go for days at a time and all we see outside is rain, I'll be the first to admit, it begins to wear on my nerves!   That's the way I've been with the snow lately.  We've had more snow since Dec. 25 than I remember having in a month in my lifetime.  Christmas morning, the snow was exciting and pretty; I ran outside and played!  January 10th, I made some snow cream, but stayed in until late that afternoon.  That was the day we had 7 inches.  Needless to say, there was still snow on the ground for over a week; snow lost some of it's excitement to me...and then, last week, it came a little dusting again; and this week, again!  And yes, I've said; "O.K., the snow's been pretty, I enjoyed it, but it will be fine if we don't get anymore until next Christmas!"  I even told Noelle that I was taking my 'Winter Wonderland' background off of my blog...Of course, she was quick to point out that my blog background had nothing to do with our real live winter wonderland.  I knew that, but I decided to change my background to something more generic, just the same.  Boy, has this been random! Ha.  My point is this:  I changed my Winter Wonderland background and changed the first 3 songs on my blog from snow songs, because, I am a bit tired of snow...but, I also want to remind myself that each day is a gift that I need to accept no matter the weather, no matter which day, and no matter the season. (of the year, or the season of my life)

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Purpose

I've been thinking about the beginning of this new year, two-thousand eleven.  I decided to NOT make any resolutions.  Why?  Because I usually fail at keeping them.  I decided to just purpose in my heart to continue to try to serve and love God, family, and others daily; trust God, and to just take one day at a time.  I do need to lose weight!  I do need to read my Bible through!  I do need to worry less!  I do need to pray more!  I do need to be more disciplined!  I do need to _______ many things; but...I know if I just continue to try to love and serve God, family, and others as is my true heart's desire, all the other things will fall in place.  I so desire to be pleasing in God's sight, and with that being my goal in life, I just feel like all else is small stuff.  To be pleasing in God's sight will make me strive to read my Bible more, to trust God more and to worry less, to serve others more joyfully, and to even be more healthy.  I found this quote, The Hero,  in a book I'm reading.  It says this to me...Just do what you are suppose to each day, be where you are supposed to be each day, be consistent, and be faithful to God and to your family, and life will be meaningful and a blessing.  As for doing what I am supposed to do; God tells me to tell others about Him, He tells me to love others, He tells me to be faithful, He tells me to love Him with all my heart, soul, and mind, He tells me to please Him, He tells me to not be apart of the world, He tells me to resist temptation and evil, He tells me to "Shine"!   May I say IF I just purpose in my heart to be found pleasing in God's sight each day of this year, I'll be busy doing what I should, and I'll be found where I should be.   Below, I have also included some verses that are wonderful and wise scriptures to live by each day and to even make your 'life' verses.    Happy 2011 to each of you from Life By George!

The Hero

The hero does not set out to be one.  She is probably more surprised than others by recognition.  She was there when the crisis occurred...and she responded as she always had in any situation.  She was simply doing what had to be done!  Faithful where she was in her duty there...she was ready when the crisis arose.  Being where she was supposed to be...doing what she was supposed to do...responding as was her custom...to circumstances as they developed...devoted to duty- she did the heroic!
~Richard C. Halverson, "Perspective" newsletter, Oct. 6, 1977. (Gender changed)




Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.  ~ Psalm 19:14

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. ~Psalm 90:12

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.  ~Matthew 5:16

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; ;and all these things shall be added unto you. ~Matthew 6:34

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.  Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among who ye shine as lights in the world. ~Philippians 2:13-15

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.  Let your moderation be known unto all men, The Lord is at hand.  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Those things which ye have both learned and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.  ~ Philippians 4:4-9

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.  ~Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men.  ~Colossians 3:23

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God: and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  ~I John 4:7