The problem with my generation: "Hippie Love".....

Courage - The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc. without fear; bravery.

Goodness - Moral excellence; virtue; generosity.

My generation lacks the true knowledge of these two words.

Let me first say that when I say "my generation" I am speaking from a worldly stand point. My generation, as a nation, as a whole. I am thankful and blessed to know and be so close to those of my generation who are my brothers and sisters in Christ who are goodness and live a life for Him.

My generation cowards behind what I like to refer to as.... The "Hippie Love". This kind of love is spreading and sadly becoming a norm. Let me try and define this kind of love.... where do I begin? This love is the "peace and blessings" love. That ALL is wonderful and their is no wrong. We should accept everything and everyone because no matter what anyone is doing, it's all for love. We do not point out the wrong because that is not love. This love encourages you to fall into the crowed and just follow. Whatever you choose in life is for your happiness and we should all just love you for it. "Hippie Love" holds no responsibility or accountability, because at the end of the day we should all just love each other. This love is all about not "offending" anyone. This love does not show humility. The problem is, my generation is listening to this kind of love and they are accepting it. If by now you aren't picking up on what exactly this kind of love is, then you should just stop reading.

"Hippie Love" is not true love. It is not AGAPE love. It is not a selfless love, it is every bit of a selfISH love. This lie-of-a-love holds no pure goodness. It has no worth. It encourages you to "just roll with anything, man". It does not encourage any true conviction of any kind. It is a cowards love. This kind of love paints everything gray. This love will be the downfall of us.

This country was not founded by men who didn't listen to this kind of love. These men had back-bones. They wanted to learn more of goodness and virtue and they stood for it. They fought for goodness. They had humility. They had courage. They respected our Heavenly Father and feared Him. These people did not just do these courageous things, but they taught these courageous things. These men offended people daily - (and please note what I mean by "offending" people, we can't step on people toes and say what they believe in is wrong because heaven forbid we offend them, this is the kind of "Hippie Love" that is suffocating.) Our society has twisted what "offended" means.  If men had listened to this kind of putrid lie, we would never have had men like Abraham Lincoln or Ronald Reagan. We wouldn't have had a C.S. Lewis. These men are human and are great with their own short-comings. But most importantly we wouldn't have had people like Paul, Barnabas, Timothy, David, and Daniel, just to name a few....

These men revered the Holy One. These men had a rock they built their life on. Their purpose was much greater than themselves and they spoke words of life. This "Hippie Love" stuff is built on sand, it has no truth. It has no hope and we will all crumble if we just "go along with it". Instead of just saying we disagree we must stand for the GOOD. We often say what we are against but how about we stand for what is and what is everlasting? How about we live our lives with virtue and don't coward down. We need to blot-out the evil with truth. Because the "Hippie Love" is wrong - there is truth, there is a right and wrong. If you stand with Christ you will offend people. Christ offended people. "It is not the popular thing to stand for whats right", this is something my parents would tell me when I was little and it's every bit true.

" The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing". - Edmund Burke


P.S. If you read this and were offended, well.........

Live Beautifully

Recently, for Christmas, my Mom gave me a journal. Not just any regular ole journal, but it was a special journal to log my pregnancy journey and the happenings of the first few months after the baby is born. I'm really excited about it and Ive already covered the first several pages.

On the front of the journal it says, Live Beautifully. The other day I started thinking about what that meant. What does it mean to Live Beautifully? Many people would have different ideas of what it means. Some would say to travel the world and live free, because of course, that's beautiful. Some would say just have fun and enjoy yourself. Others would say just do what you love and make yourself happy - whatever that takes.

I have seen a lot of people live, what I would call, beautiful lives....
 My parents. I would say they have lived extraordinary beautiful lives. Not because it has been perfect. Not because they have traveled all over the world (okay, maybe the country). But because they chose to serve. They have lived a life of service. They have lived a life of happiness, even when at times happiness isn't so easy. They have lived a life for our Father and they have shared that with others. That is a beautiful life.

The elderly couple I see at Barnes and Noble all the time. I have no idea what they might have encountered in their life, tragedy or struggle. But they sit together and they read together. I see them laugh and hold hands. They are content. And this is Beautiful.

The family with 4 children who run around in circles, with messes and screaming and running and playing. Life is hectic and sometimes crazy. But they teach their children. They teach them about their Creator and they teach them to pray. They teach them to love. And this is Beautiful.

These are just a few of so many I see Live Beautifully daily. But I think of the man who Lived Beautifully more than anyone, ever. His life was hard, and He had nothing. His family was not wealthy and He had no real home. He was not some educated scholar. He was a humble man who lived to serve (Matt. 20:28) and to teach. He lived His life simply. He was mocked and bullied and hated by many. Some wouldn't call that a beautiful life. But it truly was the most Beautiful. If someone doesn't know how to Live Beautifully, we have a wonderful Perfect example.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
                                                                                                                 - Matthew 6:33
"He has shown you, O man what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"
                                                                                                                 - Micah 6:8

Let us Live Beautifully :)

A Pinterest Problem: Choosing The Easy Way Out

I will be the first to tell you: I love Pinterest. It's got some pretty awesome stuff on there, there's some helpful, some inspiring, and some funny that site has. I've got several boards all organized and put together. It's all because "I'm gonna need that someday, so I'll save it", haha. I've found some very helpful and insightful things on Pinterest. When I was doing gluten free I was able to get a lot of ideas and tips off there. When I broke my leg in March and sat on the couch for two months, it was entertaining. I've found some great homeschooling ideas on there, cute clothes, crocheting patterns, great meal recipes, witty sayings, beautiful pictures - you name it, you can find it on Pinterest.

Pinterest has its purpose. It can be useful for much good. But I feel like more than not, it can be a hindrance and a cop-out.  What does Pinterest feed us?
   - A picture of a "hot", tan, slim chick- who has to also have beautiful luscious hair -with a description that says "10 week challenge: 10 squats a day, 10 push ups, and a fruit and veggie diet".
  - ANOTHER picture of Ryan Gosling for girls "inspiration" during finals saying something like "I believe in you, babe".
  - The latest fashion of .... Wait for it.... Leggings and boots with everything.
  - Another picture of Peeta.
  - Another Harry Potter quote. (I'm not hating on HP, I love it).
  - "40 freezer meals in 2 hours"..... Which might have been the 100th one you've pinned. (I'm guilty).
  - "10 steps to organize your house fifteen minutes everyday"  (that one sold me).
I could go on fo dayyyzzz....

So you see a trend here? There's nothing wrong with these things on the surface. They're pretty harmless. Again, there really are things on Pinterest that are good and helpful, I've found some great things. As women we fall into this trap of "wow, one website to organize my life!" And then it becomes almost an obsession. Maybe you're not on everyday, but when you do log on you end up being on for hours (guilty again). We get caught up on searching and pinning "new and better ways to organize your closet" while you sit in front of your laptop or computer and your closets down the hall... As women, we get sold on the idea to make out lives better. Where's the action? No, not the click and pin. But the action of walking away and to get moving. What happened to women learning by trial and error and to learn what works best in your own home? Pinterest is easy. The answers sit there on this page of everyone else's ideas. That cute outfit you just pinned really isn't realistic because it's way out of budget when you're a college student scraping by. Pinterest plants the idea of not being content. Think about that for a moment......

One thing that I really started thinking about was the whole trendy meal idea on Pinterest. What's easiest? What's fastest? What can I prepare the most of in the least amount of time? I'm no mother of 4 trying to clean a house, give love and attention to the kids, being attentive to the husband, all while making sure Johnny and Susie get to soccer practice, Bobbie practices the piano, and little Lucy decided to paint the wall with my lipstick. I'm aware that Pinterest holds ideas that are helpful for mothers, and that's grand. But what about take the time to prepare meals? I believe back when, that used to be the thing. Now it's a burden because we are just so busy. What about the time to teach the children to cook? I have some great memories in the kitchen with my mother, and I'm thankful. Cooking is a time for memory making and connection. Is this making any sense? Pinterest is an aid to  compartmentalize our busy lives so that we can make it more busy. Are we using it in that way?

I'm not trying to make anyone feel guilty for being on Pinterest. I'm still going to use it because I've seen some true good it offers. Every now and again let's re-evaluate our use of it. I chose Pinterest because I found it easier for me to sink into, but I reckon this problem can be in other social media. We just need to help each other and remind each other as Christians everything we do needs to have a purpose - and make it a good one :)

P.S. Thankful to so many who I've seen use Pinterest for a pure purpose and have used it for encouragement. Thank you :)
Happy New Year!

The Real Reason For The Holidays.

  So this is about my most favorite time of the year as far as Holidays go. Christmas and Thanksgiving are absolutely wonderful. There's scarfs and sweaters, hot chocolate and movies, and a lot of merry festivities. This is a time for Family and Thanks. A time of joyful memories. A time of reflection and prayer as well.

People are so busy with getting things and buying things. Its all about things and stuff. More and more. What did you get last Christmas? Can you name them all? Can you? Most of us don't remember everything. Maybe the "big" things. Was their a family quarrel? Maybe some stressed tension from the hustle and bustle. Just think about that for a moment....

Most of society says, "Jesus is the reason for the season". But I say, Jesus is the reason for every season. He is the reason for everyday and every moment. Although, we don't celebrate Jesus' birth on Christmas, we celebrate Christmas as a time for Family and Blessings. And we thank Him for all that He has done and does. It's a time to celebrate LIFE. Thanksgiving is not just a holiday. It should be a LIFESTYLE. We need to celebrate Thanksgiving everyday.

With these reasons for these seasons stop and slow down. Think, and breathe, and pray. Take it in. Don't rush and push and fuss. Smile and hug and laugh. Savor this Holiday season. Cherish it. Remember this 2013 Holiday season with fondness and with no regret.

This Holiday season is very happy indeed for our family! My sister-in-law is getting MARRIED! This is a time for much celebration indeed. Two lives become one and are following the Lord, now that's a reason for overflowing joy! So these next few weeks will be filled with fun events and activities. Our family is beyond blessed. We are THANKFUL to Him always.

James 1:17
Psalm 95: 2-3
1 Chronicles 16:34

Trusting and Breathing

If you're like me, you are a list person. A planner. An organized nut. You like your ducks all in a row. You like to know of things in advance so you can PLAN. I don't like surprises or unexpected adventures. I guess if I was anything like a Tolkien character, I would have been a hobbit. I don't do anything on a whim. I like familiarity. I like common, ordinary surroundings. I like to be comfortable, and to feel comfortable I have to be aware and educated on my surrounds and my future. It takes me a while to feel acclimated and comfortable, maybe that's part of my introverted self. It's something I battle with.

This personality trait could easily lead to stress or anxiety. Although, I'm not the type of person to show that type of emotion. I keep it in-check and hidden mostly. These last few months have been like a rock sitting on my shoulder. I knew it was coming. I knew we were getting closer. I knew that soon, my husband would accept a job somewhere, ANYWHERE and we would begin again.

My whole life I have lived in a bubble, if that's what you would call it. I've lived my life in a particular radius. My first big step was moving to Florida and attending Florida College. 12 hours away from anything I have ever known and loved. It was new, it was a huge change, it was different. But I learned to breath a little easier, I learned that a crack in the plan was do-able and that different and change was ok. That was a good change. It was what I needed. And it ended up being perfect.

THIS change will be bigger. And different. If its Gods will, it will be for a long while. And I pray that's the case. But, not knowing WHERE this change would be has given me much hidden anxiety and fear, if you will, for a few months. I knew this was the year that decisions would be made and bags would be packed and memories moved. But we were just getting comfortable. Why do we have to give it all up and start over? We love it here. More so, we love the people here. The Christians here. We are just feel at home. Maybe its terrifying to me because of my personality?

Don't get me wrong, I am absolutely ecstatic to be moving to Georgia. I know this will be a great opportunity for us. I have been praying that God will use us there in whatever way He desires. I'm happy for Trent. He has worked so hard for this. I am beyond proud of him.
For me, I guess it's different. Maybe I think too much. I think as wives, we do that a lot. Think things through over and over and prepare and prepare again. It's slightly obsessive sometimes, but we are cautious and care for our family. Why do we worry so much? Why do we bombard ourselves with things we truly can't control? We go to extensive lengths to have control over things and it does nothing but pull us down. We burden ourselves with that which God has told us not to.

This is something I have always had to war with. Its been one of my enemies. Uncertainty, being unprepared, surprises - these make my stomach turn. And I continue to fight. I need to trust more. I need to have faith more. I need to remind myself to trust my faithful heavenly Father and not hide. I can take what He offers. He will guide. He will hold. He has a PLAN better than my tiny human brain can comprehend.  His plan is the best. And it is good because He is good. And I must surrender.

Matthew 6:25 - 34
Matthew 11:28
Colossians 3:15

The All About Me Syndrome

I guess its something everyone struggles with. We all sin and what is sin? Selfishness. Its about what I want, when I want it. How can I make myself happy? I mean, as long as I am happy then everything is wonderful right? I am here to please me and me only. Isn't that what life is all about? That's what society will tell you, anyway.
I think my generation suffers greatly from this "me syndrome". And sadly, I believe it's getting worse. I suffer with this disease daily, its a constant battle. Whether it's openly or in disguise, it's a struggle. Sometimes we camouflage it to  make it look like we are looking out for other people, when truly we have an underlying agenda that's better for us. 

Those who know me well, know that I have an "old soul". I'd much rather spend my time with those 3 times my age, than those my own age. This can sometimes be a stumbling stone for me and I have always struggled with this. I see less of the "me syndrome" in those much older with wrinkles of wisdom and a life of servitude and its so refreshing to spend time with those who get the big picture. I encourage you to find that someone much older who has much guidance and wisdom to offer. Listen and spend time with them. Let them teach you, let them feed you. Don't put a band-aid over the me syndrome like a temporary fix, treat it like you want to cure it! That means going deeper. That means more time on your part. That means, finding ways to serve.

Here is a way I have realized as of late, that sometimes we can be subtle in our self-fulfilling minds. I have recently, on different occasions, had lengthy conversations with a few different people around my age. After walking away at the end of the conversation, I was somewhat saddened. I realized that the entire conversation centered around them - I stand guilty of this myself - there was no inquiry about anyone, no concern for another, no interest in ANYONE else. But why do we make it all about ourselves? Everything is about me. I want, I need, give me, I did this, I think this, etc. And we are never satisfied.

I write this post not because I have any answers or know the cure or am more equipped - definitely not, this post is just as much for me as any other. These are just some concerns and thoughts that I've been pondering lately. But I know Who can fix this "me syndrome" I have. If we walk in His footsteps He might teach us a thing or two. "me syndrome" will always nip at our heals, but will we let it ride on our shoulders? Lets not.
Lets pray that we do better in this area. Pray that I do better. I will pray for you too. Lets help each other.

Ephesians 6:12, Philippians 2:3-5, Mark 10:43-45, Matthew 20:26, Galatians 5:13

Have A Blessed Week :)

Learning to Appreciate: Don't Bite The Parenting Hand

As I was making my way to the main front isle of Target this morning to check-out I overheard an argument between a young girl (probably early college or late high school age) and her mother having it out in the middle of the store. The daughter was clearly annoyed and unhappy, with the apparent rolling of the eyes and disgust towards her mother. I stopped and started appearing as if I was looking at an item on one of the shelves and I listened. Call me a "Nosy Nancy", but with their volume and mannerisms, they sure weren't acting like they wanted to keep it between the two of them; and I have also seen this seen before, personally - kinda like standing on the outside looking into the past. So I listened. The daughter was in every way disrespectful, degrading, selfish, and hateful towards her mother with her words and tone. {Her mother was BUYING her daughter some clothes- there were already a couple of pairs of shoes in the basket and some make-up - but the daughter was complaining. She didn't like what her mother liked, it wasn't good enough} At first, I was shocked to see that the mother just stood there like nothing was going on and she just took it. But then modern-day reality struck and I thought, oh, this is how a lot of parents are these days....sadly.

I was really angry with the daughter. I wanted to say something and stand up for the mother. But if you know me and my personality, I'd never actually do that. I couldn't believe the daughter could treat her own mother that way. How could she! But then I stopped dead in my thoughts. I was once that daughter. I was once that ungrateful and hateful daughter.  I have treated my own mother that way when I was in high school. I am guilty of the same exact thing. I just wanted to walk up to the mother and hug her, and tell her it would be okay. I wanted to tell her that hopefully someday-someday her daughter will get it. That someday her daughter will say, thank you mama. That someday her daughter will hug her instead of yell at her and snub her off. That right now her daughter doesn't want much to do with her unless she wants something, but someday she will call her just to talk. Or she will call just to say THANK YOU.

In high school sometimes my Mom embarrassed me and my Dad "cramped my style". I thought they were too involved in my life and  I didn't understand why they cared so much (I reckon its safe to say everyone has felt that way about their parents at one time or another). Now, I can't get enough hugs. I can't get enough advice. I wish I had taken advantage of their wisdom instead of pushed it away. Hold onto the "lectures" that your Dad gives you, because there will come a time when you can't sit at his feet and listen to his wisdom very often.

              Why do we bite the hand that feeds us? We do that not only to our parents, but we do it to our Almighty Father as well. We are ungrateful children in many ways.

Soak up the NOW. Listen to your parents advice NOW. Hug them NOW. Spend time with them NOW. Just randomly tell them THANK YOU. Honor them. Appreciate them. Be GRATEFUL for them. 

...........I wish I could have told that daughter these things.

We need to encourage children to do this - to WANT to be with their parents sometimes. As children and high schoolers we are encouraged to want to be with our friends our own age and we complain about being with our parents - "its boring". They need to know the value of truly spending time with their parents, I think that helps with them understanding appreciation. They need to learn the wonderful VALUE of that time.

I feel like this post as been kinda all over the place and I am sorry. I took for granted all the opportunity I had with my Mama and now she is my best friend and I am learning to understand it all, to appreciate, to value, to honor her. Go home and love your Mother. Go and hug your Dad. Every opportunity say THANK YOU. If you are fortunate enough, they will become some of your very best, dearest friends one day. :)

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: "That it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth" ."

            Ephesians 6:1 - 3.