Good Morning..
So, it has been pointed out to me over the past 2 days that I apparently show every single emotion that I happen to be feeling on my face..that is when I am not practicing the good ol'southern "bless your heart" expression. Sometimes this can be good..for example, when it is joy, happiness, or love..not so good when my mind is thinking "what the heck???". I would like to be able to say that I am always happy, always kind, always accepting..But, as I am human, fallen, and pretty darn broken.. this is not the case. Many times I feel flat out irritated, have a lack of tolerance, and wish that I could escape with my critters to an island never to be seen again.
With this being said..I am grateful for being called out on my non verbal expressions..it makes me more aware of the work that I need to do on myself to more like the woman God intended me to be..
James 1:19-20 states..
My dear brothers and sisters, understand this; everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God's righteousness.
Talk about a wake up call..while reading this verse I had no choice but to acknowledge my lack of following His command in this area..but, am happy to report that with knowledge of my expressions and a positive thought process, yesterday was better..with this verse on my mind the entire day. Sometimes it was a struggle, as it is so easy to get caught up in the stress of the day, or to be exposed to another's negative outlook, or when a process does not work..but I have no desire greater than to be an example of God's grace and love and to be able to share what He has done in our lives with others..and I a cannot do this if I have a
face that is twisted in irritation. Life is by no means perfect..but with every experience, success and heartbreak comes an opportunity to grow in faith and to grow closer to Him. I feel that with each new chapter ..sometimes each new paragraph.. in our lives we are afforded the chance to touch others and get out of the boxes which we sometimes find ourselves in.. and that alone is a blessing. For today the verse that jumped out at me is as follows...
Isaiah 43:19
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
I wish you all an amazing Wednesday..don't forget to share your smile..it may even have a positive effect on you if the day is less than stellar..and it will most certainly brighten
someone's day..always try to keep in mind that everyone is going through something and what we consider to be HUGE issue may pale to another's circumstances..
Be blessed!
FSF
Romans 12:2 tells us...."And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (NJKV).
I know that I have been off line for an extended period of time..and for those who have followed my journey I do apologize..life has been crazy busy and I have to be completely honest gotten caught up in the world with career commitments, life's issues, higher education, Military obligations, family, the list can go on and on..and I have lost a part of myself and my relationship with Christ along the way due to stressors that have knocked me off of my feet and caused me to be less than joyful..thankfully we serve a God that forgives and loves us regardless of how far we may stray or how angry we may become..He is always there waiting for us with open arms..
As insane as it may seem..I am on 2 weeks of Military training as we speak and this time away in the middle of Montana is allowing me to do some much needed self care and to take the time needed to re-evaluate my life and where I want to be...in my relationship with Christ, in my marriage, my next career move, where to align my priorities and energy, and coming to the realization that what my adult children choose to do really is their own decision and I cannot live their lives for them..even when they make decisions that are less than wise. I learned along the way and stumbled only to pick myself up and meet goals..just as many of you did..now it is time to let the next generation do so..hopefully while learning along the way. As hard as it is to turn things over to God..this is a lesson and habit that I really need to work on on a daily basis...what we want to happen and our timing is most certainly not how He has things planned..and many times the lesson and blessings are found in the waiting.
So..I took a long hike in the hills this morning and turned on some praise and worship music and thought about self-care..and here is the list that I came up with..perhaps you can all find a few ideas and put them into practice..I think we all forget to care for ourselves..maybe more often than not..leaving our own tanks empty..making it harder to give of ourselves to others with a truly joyful heart..
1) write down three things daily that you are thankful for..mix it up..not the same things everyday
2) play..on a swing set, hop scotch, with your pet, child..whatever..revert back to childhood..even for just 5 minutes (I took the time to play on a swing set during one of my walks recently..it was amazing!!)
3) get outdoors into the fresh air..even a brisk 20 minute walk daily can make a world of difference in your physical and mental health
4) spend time with God...EVERY SINGLE DAY..confession here..I had gotten away from this and became more irritable, more stressed out, and more negative..THIS IS SO IMPORTANT!!! He wants to hear from us daily..and we need to connect with him..especially when we are losing our joy to daily life
5) eat well..healthy, fresh foods..but leave a little room for comfort foods also
6) read..for self growth and pleasure
7) practice mindfulness
8)journal..get the thoughts out of the busy-ness of your head and onto paper
8)hydrate..it makes your entire body function better
9)laugh out loud..everyday
10)give back through volunteer work-it releases all those feel good endorphins
11) listen to uplifting music..no angry music allowed!
12) begin forming or nurture your positive "tribe"..for me this is my wonderful friends who are real with me and love God!
13) travel when possible..if not possible become a tourist where you live..seek to find the beauty of where you find yourself
14) create
15) get your hands dirty..plant something living to brighten your own space or for someone who cannot do it themselves
16) tell yourself something positive about YOU everyday
Part of my own self care will be to resume the things that I enjoy doing..attending church on a very regular basis, blogging, reading, swimming and exploring..things that I had let go of due to work requirements and getting sidetracked..There is a song by Zach Williams called Old Church Choir..it talks about not letting anyone steal your joy..I think this will become a theme song for me..I will post it on FSF so whoever wants to hear it can listen..
I wish you all an amazing, blessed day..and as always..don't forget to share your smile..everyone has issues..your smile may make a difference you could never imagine!!
Hugs,
FSF..aka..Tiffany
Good Morning to all of you..Happy 2017. I don't know about y'all but I am so happy to see a new year..one where we have 365 days to make this year fabulous and to grow in our relationships with Christ. One where families will heal, kindness will be shared and God will open doors for us, as well as close..no slam..the ones that we are not supposed to walk through. I wish for all of you that 2017 will be one to find a life balance which involves getting what needs to be done and allows for spending time with those who are important to you..doing things that enrich your heart and soul.
I have spent the last part of 2016 in a real season of change..God has closed lots of doors that I thought I should be going through and has taught me some crazy hard lessons in patience and learning how to turn intense grief and sorrow..along with the stress and anxiety that comes along with those feelings over to Him..has it been easy?? Absolutely not, but through learning how to do this and faithfully starting each day in prayer with Him, I now have a feeling of peace and know that no matter where paths may lead..that they will be protected and covered with His grace.
Not all in 2016 was on the "not so great side"..we have had many blessings in our lives and have had plans come through as we had wished for. God has helped me to build a wonderful "tribe" through my new church home of amazing..strong Christians who have been game changers in my life. He has allowed us to have successes with school, fitness goals, location changes and new job roles and promotions: The first week of 2017 sees us with children who have learned some hard lessons, but are healthy and maturing day by day to become fine young men..all of our critters are still with us..although Max the Wonderdog gave us a scare the other day..I thought my wet nosed therapist was on his way over the rainbow bridge but God said..Not just yet! And..a husband who will begin attending church with me!! God is so good and moves in our lives..even when we do not know that He is doing so..leading us through trials and tribulations, successes and life changing events and remaining ever gracious..waiting for us with open arms.
I have set some lofty goals for myself this year..I know not everyone believes in setting New Years Resolutions and I am a firm believer in whatever works for each of us..me personally, I love opening a new journal..writing down what I want to accomplish and get busy..but I also like Mondays and find that in the world of electronic everything I still love a good bookstore!! The first on my list is to continue to build a closer relationship with Christ..there is the old saying that if you change the inside the outside will take care of itself..and for me taking care of the inside is to honor and worship Him always..leaning into God's word and listening for what He is saying..
Of course there are fitness goals and educational goals..and career related goals also..but those will fall into place with hard work and staying motivated..today I am just so grateful that we have a God who is gracious and answers prayers..
Happy 2017..tomorrow starts back with fitness and nutrition..and perhaps some creativity..enjoy the day, stay positive and share your smile with a stranger..you never know what someone is going through and your smile really can make a difference!!
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
-1 Thessalonians 5:15-18
someone's day..always try to keep in mind that everyone is going through something and what we consider to be HUGE issue may pale to another's circumstances..
