So today I decided to run. Yeah, yeah I know you don't want to hear about my run. Believe me, I read all the jabs on Facebook about what everyone's personal pet peeve is. You know some can't stand the people who post about their work outs all the time, or the ones who take pictures of their food or the selfie-crazed people, or the ones who post about their kids all the time. Or they can't stand the ones who talk about God all the time or the ones who talk about going out to the club every day. I don't let it work me up either way. There is no need to delete, I just keep scrolling down to the next post. The truth is I am guilty of every single one except the selfies. I am not that talented to take a picture of myself.
So again, I begin with the fact that today I decided to run. I haven't really ran in several months. It is so frustrating that a while back I was running three and four times a week and was feeling pretty darn good about myself. I swore I would never get back to this point. You know the point where you feel sloth like. The point where you have no motivation but to eat the Snickers candy in your purse that your son gave you to hold on to for him. You know that point where you know your pants are fitting a little too uncomfortably. But as usual, I let life get in the way and can tell you a ton of excuses. We are busy! I hate to work out in the cold. I hate gyms!! I would rather work out outside. I need Bryan to do it with me and hold me accountable. Bryan had surgery a while back and it got me off track. I need to cook dinner. You feel me??
But today the boys were out doing their sports thing and the weather was perfect so I put my gear on and headed to the park. It felt good to have my IPOD back on and listen to some of my favorite songs. Since I hadn't run in forever and my GPS watch was not charged, I thought I would track my running and walking combo by the songs I was listening to. So I would walk a whole song and then run a whole song. That was a brilliant idea until GNR's "Paradise City" came on and I had to run for 6 minutes and 46 seconds. That may not seem like a lot to you but when you haven't ran in a while every second counts. And then of course my walking song was Cash's "Ring of Fire" which was like a little over 2 minutes. Can I just be honest? I just have a bad case of the I-don't-wanna's!
However the more I ran around the park the more I paused to watch people. There was so much going on there tonight. I saw mom's having some girl time while they watched their kids play. I saw dad's and mom's in work clothes coming to pick up baseball uniforms. I saw cute little four year old's practicing throwing and catching. I saw some older people walking slowly together and just enjoying the weather. There was a lady walking her dog and a mom giving her kid some bread so he could feed the birds. There were a couple of young men fishing. Then I had to pass up a mom with her toddler next to her who was screaming to go to the playground but she was trying to work out and so he had to stay beside her. She was trying and that is what matters. I don't know if she was a single mom or not but I have always had a special spot in my heart for single moms. I guess it is because I know how hard it is to be a mom even with your husband's help much less doing it on your own. It was in the moment that I passed her that I thought, man I shouldn't have any excuses. Even though I have been in her shoes, I no longer have little ones that I have to bring with me to work out. I am just tired and have a lack of motivation.
And that's when all of these faces started appearing in my head. I thought about a little boy just like my Bo who is battling cancer and probably would give anything to run and jump on that playground and have all the energy in the world. His mom would probably trade places with him in a heartbeat if she could. I thought about my friend who will begin chemo treatments soon and how she is going to fight! I thought of how she is going to be thankful just to have the strength to continue being a mom and a teacher and a wife. I thought about my mom who wants so badly to experience what it feels like to feel completely normal when she wakes up in the morning. I thought about one of my single mom friends who has had every obstacle put in her way recently and is just desperate for some answers to prayers. I thought about my friend who made a commitment to her son to run at least one 5K a month and has stuck to it in the midst of her busy lifestyle. I thought about my Dad who still rides a bicycle to work every morning despite his diabetes. He has been riding that bike ever since he was a teenager riding to my mom's house trying to date her.
I can't sit here and say that there won't be days like this again. Next week school is back in session and all of my excuses will flood my brain again and escape my mouth. But man I love times like this where I get some perspective. The day started out overcast but out came the sun midway through the day. I say it all the time that the sun reminds me that there are brighter days ahead. I know there will be the I-wanna days and the I-don't-wanna days. I pray that I will never forget those faces and that each time they flood my head it will make me want to keep going. Those faces will be my reminder that every person matters. Those faces tell a story. Everyone battles something but I believe that with each new sunrise comes a new opportunity to get up and perservere. I may not be running each and every day but I know my feet will hit the ground the very next morning. May my steps be guided by the Lord each day! May He use me to tell a story, a story that is inspiring and makes people say I-wanna!
Monday, March 10, 2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Confessions of a sports mom
I have a confession to make. I am a sports mom. But most of you already know that. If my kids were into dance, I would be a dance mom. If they were into theater, I would be a stage mom. Whatever my kids were interested in doing, I would support them to the fullest. I would buy the shirt, the hat, the band and wear them proudly. Some people still don't understand our lives. People think we are crazy running from game to game and from a basketball gym to a football field. Yes, it is insane sometimes, but I love the insanity. It is an insanity that keeps us sane. Amongst all the chaos, I have learned some of the most important life lessons through sports.
Yesterday Bo's team learned a lesson to NEVER GIVE UP. Before yesterday's game, we had only won two games this season. We were playing the #2 ranked team. Our boys had a lead and then the other team came back and were ahead by two points. One of our kids was fouled and made one of his free throws, putting us one point down. There were five seconds left in the game and we had possession. Our player passes it in to Bo who dribbles down the court and goes up for a long shot. Bo misses and one of our players rebounds and makes the shot right before the buzzer. We won!!! Now the loss didn't hurt the other team's ranking but man we were so excited. It was a great opportunity for Bryan to teach the kids to never give up. Some kids felt defeated before it was over and Bryan said to never quit, anything can happen. After the game he explained to the players that life will throw you all sorts of challenges. You will have games to play, sicknesses to fight and stresses to deal with. You never give up. You keep on fighting! It is the same thing that the Lord tells us. No matter how many times you fall, get back up and keep going. He gives us hope!
I believe in winning and losing. I am sorry if you don't agree with me but I am not of the mindset that everyone wins. You either win the game or you lose the game. You feel a sense of pride when you get the trophy or you get the title. On the other side, if you lose, you have a greater desire to work hard to get the trophy the next time. However, losing a game doesn't define you as a person. Sometimes the greatest moments in your life come out of your losses. We have lost games where I have been so proud of my kids and how they played. They gave it their all. They put their heart and soul into the game. Though they came up short of the trophy, they gained so much more insight into who they are. It's like being passed up on a promotion. Yes you lost that position but then later on comes something better that was meant just for you at just the right time. You can't win them all, but you can always keep the hunger and desire to win. Come back from your loss with your head high, a fresh perspective, and a passion to persevere. That is winning!
Sports help build relationships. Some of my best friends have been made through sports. We have sat together for hours watching our kids in 100 degree weather, or wrapped up in blankets or with rain ponchos on. We have taken deep breaths together when one of our kids gets hurt. We have made goodie bags, peeled oranges for half time snacks, and bought every color of Gatorade known to man. We have cried when our kid was in pain and we have hollered when they make a mistake. We have encouraged one another and have even had difficult words with one another. It is like a family and it can get dysfunctional. But sports parents know what it is like to love more than your own child. We have the car pool schedule down to an art. We know what it feels like to watch kids you have known since they were 5 start to grow up, talk like men and become taller than you. We are happy with the winning basket no matter whose kid made it. We are more interested in raising good young men than we are just with their performance in a game. With my sports family, I know that my kid can go with any of them and they will protect them, discipline them and have their best interest at heart.
Sports build character. I see a lot of people complain about how cut throat sports can be. But every area of life can be cut throat. Believe me, I have a 13 year old so I have been around long enough to have seen it all. Yes I have dealt with a husband who has lost his cool at a game. I have dealt with parents cussing my husband out. I have dealt with people mouthing about my kid. I have dealt with people who are never satisfied no matter what you do. I have dealt with my own desires of wanting to tell someone off and instead harbored anger and resentment. But those experiences have only helped me to want to be a better person. I can truly say that there is more good than bad that comes out of it all. It is how you deal with those situations that helps build your character. With each year that passes, I just want more and more to be a family that influences people. I have always said that once you are in our sports family, you will always be. (Unless you cuss my husband or kid out LOL) I believe in relationships and loving on people. I believe in encouraging people and pointing out the good in people. I believe in lifting people up when they are down and embracing their gifts. I believe in admitting when people are better at something than I am and rejoicing in their successes. I believe in extending a hand when someone is down. That is the character I want to have and want my kids to have.
You may think I am crazy for relating sports to life but this is my life. I think deeply about things. I try to take daily experiences and learn from them. Whether it is watching a basketball go through a net, or a football crossing the goal line or a glove catching a ball, sports teach me a lot. I have learned so much about my husband, kids and friends through our sports seasons together. This is my family outside of my blood relatives. I love their kids. I pray for them. Their burdens are mine to carry also. I thank God for placing each one of them in my life during the perfect season. We don't win every game and we don't always have the same schedule. But we are on the same team. It's a team that has a desire to win the prize but has a greater passion to win in life.
Praying for each one of you that has become a part of our sports family. May the Lord protect each one our players and give us wisdom as parents to make the right decisions. May they be successful by the Lord's standards and not just by the world's standards. May they be the heads and not the tails. May they stay humble and have a clean heart. May we always stand with one another to lift each other up. May grace and mercy follow us all wherever we go.
Yesterday Bo's team learned a lesson to NEVER GIVE UP. Before yesterday's game, we had only won two games this season. We were playing the #2 ranked team. Our boys had a lead and then the other team came back and were ahead by two points. One of our kids was fouled and made one of his free throws, putting us one point down. There were five seconds left in the game and we had possession. Our player passes it in to Bo who dribbles down the court and goes up for a long shot. Bo misses and one of our players rebounds and makes the shot right before the buzzer. We won!!! Now the loss didn't hurt the other team's ranking but man we were so excited. It was a great opportunity for Bryan to teach the kids to never give up. Some kids felt defeated before it was over and Bryan said to never quit, anything can happen. After the game he explained to the players that life will throw you all sorts of challenges. You will have games to play, sicknesses to fight and stresses to deal with. You never give up. You keep on fighting! It is the same thing that the Lord tells us. No matter how many times you fall, get back up and keep going. He gives us hope!
I believe in winning and losing. I am sorry if you don't agree with me but I am not of the mindset that everyone wins. You either win the game or you lose the game. You feel a sense of pride when you get the trophy or you get the title. On the other side, if you lose, you have a greater desire to work hard to get the trophy the next time. However, losing a game doesn't define you as a person. Sometimes the greatest moments in your life come out of your losses. We have lost games where I have been so proud of my kids and how they played. They gave it their all. They put their heart and soul into the game. Though they came up short of the trophy, they gained so much more insight into who they are. It's like being passed up on a promotion. Yes you lost that position but then later on comes something better that was meant just for you at just the right time. You can't win them all, but you can always keep the hunger and desire to win. Come back from your loss with your head high, a fresh perspective, and a passion to persevere. That is winning!
Sports help build relationships. Some of my best friends have been made through sports. We have sat together for hours watching our kids in 100 degree weather, or wrapped up in blankets or with rain ponchos on. We have taken deep breaths together when one of our kids gets hurt. We have made goodie bags, peeled oranges for half time snacks, and bought every color of Gatorade known to man. We have cried when our kid was in pain and we have hollered when they make a mistake. We have encouraged one another and have even had difficult words with one another. It is like a family and it can get dysfunctional. But sports parents know what it is like to love more than your own child. We have the car pool schedule down to an art. We know what it feels like to watch kids you have known since they were 5 start to grow up, talk like men and become taller than you. We are happy with the winning basket no matter whose kid made it. We are more interested in raising good young men than we are just with their performance in a game. With my sports family, I know that my kid can go with any of them and they will protect them, discipline them and have their best interest at heart.
Sports build character. I see a lot of people complain about how cut throat sports can be. But every area of life can be cut throat. Believe me, I have a 13 year old so I have been around long enough to have seen it all. Yes I have dealt with a husband who has lost his cool at a game. I have dealt with parents cussing my husband out. I have dealt with people mouthing about my kid. I have dealt with people who are never satisfied no matter what you do. I have dealt with my own desires of wanting to tell someone off and instead harbored anger and resentment. But those experiences have only helped me to want to be a better person. I can truly say that there is more good than bad that comes out of it all. It is how you deal with those situations that helps build your character. With each year that passes, I just want more and more to be a family that influences people. I have always said that once you are in our sports family, you will always be. (Unless you cuss my husband or kid out LOL) I believe in relationships and loving on people. I believe in encouraging people and pointing out the good in people. I believe in lifting people up when they are down and embracing their gifts. I believe in admitting when people are better at something than I am and rejoicing in their successes. I believe in extending a hand when someone is down. That is the character I want to have and want my kids to have.
You may think I am crazy for relating sports to life but this is my life. I think deeply about things. I try to take daily experiences and learn from them. Whether it is watching a basketball go through a net, or a football crossing the goal line or a glove catching a ball, sports teach me a lot. I have learned so much about my husband, kids and friends through our sports seasons together. This is my family outside of my blood relatives. I love their kids. I pray for them. Their burdens are mine to carry also. I thank God for placing each one of them in my life during the perfect season. We don't win every game and we don't always have the same schedule. But we are on the same team. It's a team that has a desire to win the prize but has a greater passion to win in life.
Praying for each one of you that has become a part of our sports family. May the Lord protect each one our players and give us wisdom as parents to make the right decisions. May they be successful by the Lord's standards and not just by the world's standards. May they be the heads and not the tails. May they stay humble and have a clean heart. May we always stand with one another to lift each other up. May grace and mercy follow us all wherever we go.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Just a Reminder
Sitting at home has never been my thing. I like to do it every once in a while but I like to be doing something or feeling like I have accomplished something. I am one of those people who doesn't mind getting up and going to work every morning. I truly like my job and the people I work with. But today I am off taking care of my husband who just had gall bladder surgery and the kiddos are home due to this crazy Texas weather. There is not much for me to do today since I cleaned my house before surgery. I guess I could clean the clutter piles that are stacked neat in a corner but I really have no motivation to do that either. I have cleaned the kitchen three times already because when we are home we eat a lot. I do have to say that I am enjoying staying in my jammies and getting to lay around with no deadlines.
I have had some time to think and reflect on some things in my life. I shared recently that my life continues to be blessed but that I have had some of my toughest years spiritually. I thought God was through using me. I didn't think I had any influence on anyone anymore and that there wasn't anything I had to offer. I felt some of my prayers were being tossed up only to be put away in a box somewhere and to be brought back out for review when I was good enough again. But you see I know better than that. Shame on me for even feeling that way, right? I know what God's word says and I have experienced God's grace and love over and over again. Now we have always been a family who prays together and we have never faltered from that but we have been trying to find our direction again. We have been needing God to set our crooked paths straight. I need to know that God is not done with me or my household. There is a mission for the Rhodes family. Our dreams aren't dead and our passions live on.
So as we had been anticipating Bryan's surgery, I was reminded just how God works in every moment. He is leading and guiding us on every journey. Of course Bryan's surgery was not major but the anticipation to get there was nerve wracking. He had been having problems for a while and needed to get rid of his gall bladder that was causing him pain. But in the process they discovered that the heart murmur he has had for years had progressed over time and was skipping a bit more. They wouldn't clear him for surgery until the heart doctor cleared him. So we began the process of waiting on appointments and waiting on results. If his heart didn't check out then he would need to have a small heart surgery before removing his gall bladder. Again, many people go through worse things and this definitely does not compare to other battles people are fighting. But nonetheless, waiting is never fun. I had great people praying with me. People asked me if I was nervous at all. But I can tell you that this is when I go into crazy prayer person mode. Nothing messes with people I love. I was confident that all would be OK and we would get clearance from the heart doctor.
Finally after 2 months of pain, Bryan got word that his heart does need to be monitored but that he can function normally now and could have his surgery. So surgery was finally scheduled yesterday and was successful. Now he is just in some pain but getting better by the hour. But the experience has opened my eyes again to God's goodness and the work of His people. Though I was confident that all would be a success, I cried after I prayed with Bryan. He asked me not to, but I couldn't help it. There is always a risk in surgery and so we talked about his wishes just in case something happened. That is a hard conversation to have. He told me that he wanted to make sure that I knew he loved me and that he wanted to have so many more years with me. We are approaching the date of completing 17 years together and are embarking on our 15th year anniversary. I think the longer we are together the harder it is to think of losing him in my life. I told him with tears in my eyes that you just realize how much you have with that person. We have lots of memories, lots of tears together, lots of laughs and two amazing children. I would fight for this man! What God put together, nothing can tear apart!
They drugged him up and took him back. As I waited again for him to come out of surgery, I was able to talk with my mother in law for a long time. I got to see the woman who gave birth to that 9lb. 15oz. boy still love him like the day she first laid eyes on him. I have been blessed with Bryan's mom in my life because she has always treated me like her own. And I know she loves Bryan and my boys with every fiber in her body. She told me that I will understand when I look at my two boys and that I will never stop being their mom. She is right! And that is why I have embraced her in my life and have enjoyed the gestures, meals and words of advice she has always had for us. She has always been a good mom and would do anything for the guys that are so important to me and her.
The generosity of friends and family through this has been humbling. People offered prayers up and brought food over. Even though I am capable of cooking, they insisted on blessing me with meals. I can never say enough just how much this helps a family out if you are able to bless them in that way. My neighbors came by and one brought Bryan a chocolate pie. We don't live in the biggest house but we are surrounded by the biggest hearted neighbors ever. I am thankful for this house and how God has loved on us through the amazing people that surround us on all sides. Friends have covered practices for us and given my kids rides. This is what "community" and "church" is all about. We are all busy and not one person can do everything for everyone. But you can do something for someone. I don't get caught up in who called and who didn't. Instead I am thankful for the ones that God placed in my life for such a time as this. I hope that I can be that person with the right words or the right actions for the right person at the right moment.
And I can't thank everyone without including the two great young men in my life. These two pull together when they need to. I get teased because I still make their lunches everyday and wait on them more than I should. But the morning of the surgery, my mother in law said they got up made their own lunches and were ready to go. Though they don't do this when I am around, it helps me to know that they pay attention to what I do. So when they need to do step up, they can. They watched the time and Bo commented that he knew his Dad was in surgery. Christian doesn't say much but he is a thinker. I know that my boys are praying boys. They are definitely compassionate and can take over when they need to. We don't always get it right with these two but I am proud of the young men they have become. I hope we set a good example because Lord knows they are watching every move we make.
There are so many things I could say about this whole experience but I just wanted to brag on God at work. He truly does hold our every moment. We go through things we don't always understand. We have to wait sometimes and the anticipation sometimes cripples us. In my experiences, I have always found God to be right on time and that when you take a trip through the valley, you can be assured there is a glorious mountaintop waiting to be climbed. Don't let the cares of this world consume you. Hold on to your loved ones and fight for them. They need to know that you want to do life with them. Don't get caught up in the circles your not in. Instead focus on the people in your life who leave an imprint on your heart. For me it doesn't have to be a big gesture, just one that shows you matter. And remember you can't give your all to 500 facebook friends. But you can give a lot to someone who needs it when you are all they have. God is so good and I can't say it enough. I will never stop including Him in my blogs because there is no part of my life that is without Him. He leaves me speechless at times!
I am thankful for this time because it is just a reminder that God is up to something good for our family. We still matter and I do know that He is not done with us. There has to be purpose for us! He has brought new people into our lives at the perfect time. I am looking forward to the journey we are about to take. Though Bryan may have a heart that beats imperfectly, we know there is a mountain to climb. That same heart will beat for God and the Rhodes will stand on the top together with every piece to our family fitting together perfectly.
Love these lines from Selah's version of "You Raise Me Up"
There is no life, no life without its hunger
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly
But when You come and I am filled with wonder
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity
I have had some time to think and reflect on some things in my life. I shared recently that my life continues to be blessed but that I have had some of my toughest years spiritually. I thought God was through using me. I didn't think I had any influence on anyone anymore and that there wasn't anything I had to offer. I felt some of my prayers were being tossed up only to be put away in a box somewhere and to be brought back out for review when I was good enough again. But you see I know better than that. Shame on me for even feeling that way, right? I know what God's word says and I have experienced God's grace and love over and over again. Now we have always been a family who prays together and we have never faltered from that but we have been trying to find our direction again. We have been needing God to set our crooked paths straight. I need to know that God is not done with me or my household. There is a mission for the Rhodes family. Our dreams aren't dead and our passions live on.
So as we had been anticipating Bryan's surgery, I was reminded just how God works in every moment. He is leading and guiding us on every journey. Of course Bryan's surgery was not major but the anticipation to get there was nerve wracking. He had been having problems for a while and needed to get rid of his gall bladder that was causing him pain. But in the process they discovered that the heart murmur he has had for years had progressed over time and was skipping a bit more. They wouldn't clear him for surgery until the heart doctor cleared him. So we began the process of waiting on appointments and waiting on results. If his heart didn't check out then he would need to have a small heart surgery before removing his gall bladder. Again, many people go through worse things and this definitely does not compare to other battles people are fighting. But nonetheless, waiting is never fun. I had great people praying with me. People asked me if I was nervous at all. But I can tell you that this is when I go into crazy prayer person mode. Nothing messes with people I love. I was confident that all would be OK and we would get clearance from the heart doctor.
Finally after 2 months of pain, Bryan got word that his heart does need to be monitored but that he can function normally now and could have his surgery. So surgery was finally scheduled yesterday and was successful. Now he is just in some pain but getting better by the hour. But the experience has opened my eyes again to God's goodness and the work of His people. Though I was confident that all would be a success, I cried after I prayed with Bryan. He asked me not to, but I couldn't help it. There is always a risk in surgery and so we talked about his wishes just in case something happened. That is a hard conversation to have. He told me that he wanted to make sure that I knew he loved me and that he wanted to have so many more years with me. We are approaching the date of completing 17 years together and are embarking on our 15th year anniversary. I think the longer we are together the harder it is to think of losing him in my life. I told him with tears in my eyes that you just realize how much you have with that person. We have lots of memories, lots of tears together, lots of laughs and two amazing children. I would fight for this man! What God put together, nothing can tear apart!
They drugged him up and took him back. As I waited again for him to come out of surgery, I was able to talk with my mother in law for a long time. I got to see the woman who gave birth to that 9lb. 15oz. boy still love him like the day she first laid eyes on him. I have been blessed with Bryan's mom in my life because she has always treated me like her own. And I know she loves Bryan and my boys with every fiber in her body. She told me that I will understand when I look at my two boys and that I will never stop being their mom. She is right! And that is why I have embraced her in my life and have enjoyed the gestures, meals and words of advice she has always had for us. She has always been a good mom and would do anything for the guys that are so important to me and her.
The generosity of friends and family through this has been humbling. People offered prayers up and brought food over. Even though I am capable of cooking, they insisted on blessing me with meals. I can never say enough just how much this helps a family out if you are able to bless them in that way. My neighbors came by and one brought Bryan a chocolate pie. We don't live in the biggest house but we are surrounded by the biggest hearted neighbors ever. I am thankful for this house and how God has loved on us through the amazing people that surround us on all sides. Friends have covered practices for us and given my kids rides. This is what "community" and "church" is all about. We are all busy and not one person can do everything for everyone. But you can do something for someone. I don't get caught up in who called and who didn't. Instead I am thankful for the ones that God placed in my life for such a time as this. I hope that I can be that person with the right words or the right actions for the right person at the right moment.
And I can't thank everyone without including the two great young men in my life. These two pull together when they need to. I get teased because I still make their lunches everyday and wait on them more than I should. But the morning of the surgery, my mother in law said they got up made their own lunches and were ready to go. Though they don't do this when I am around, it helps me to know that they pay attention to what I do. So when they need to do step up, they can. They watched the time and Bo commented that he knew his Dad was in surgery. Christian doesn't say much but he is a thinker. I know that my boys are praying boys. They are definitely compassionate and can take over when they need to. We don't always get it right with these two but I am proud of the young men they have become. I hope we set a good example because Lord knows they are watching every move we make.
There are so many things I could say about this whole experience but I just wanted to brag on God at work. He truly does hold our every moment. We go through things we don't always understand. We have to wait sometimes and the anticipation sometimes cripples us. In my experiences, I have always found God to be right on time and that when you take a trip through the valley, you can be assured there is a glorious mountaintop waiting to be climbed. Don't let the cares of this world consume you. Hold on to your loved ones and fight for them. They need to know that you want to do life with them. Don't get caught up in the circles your not in. Instead focus on the people in your life who leave an imprint on your heart. For me it doesn't have to be a big gesture, just one that shows you matter. And remember you can't give your all to 500 facebook friends. But you can give a lot to someone who needs it when you are all they have. God is so good and I can't say it enough. I will never stop including Him in my blogs because there is no part of my life that is without Him. He leaves me speechless at times!
I am thankful for this time because it is just a reminder that God is up to something good for our family. We still matter and I do know that He is not done with us. There has to be purpose for us! He has brought new people into our lives at the perfect time. I am looking forward to the journey we are about to take. Though Bryan may have a heart that beats imperfectly, we know there is a mountain to climb. That same heart will beat for God and the Rhodes will stand on the top together with every piece to our family fitting together perfectly.
Love these lines from Selah's version of "You Raise Me Up"
There is no life, no life without its hunger
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly
But when You come and I am filled with wonder
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity
Friday, January 3, 2014
2014-We Can Do Life Together
So I have never been one for New Year resolutions but I do always like to set some goals. I have a few that always seem to be on my list each and every year like lose weight and be healthy. Let's see if I can try that one more time. I do want to continue to write these blogs and hope that you embrace them and read them. Just maybe you can relate to my crazy world.
If you are just starting to read these, I want you to know that I write from my personal experiences of being an everyday mom, wife and Christian. I share these blogs on my face book page that way you can choose to read them or not.
A while back I saw several people posting interesting facts about themselves that people may have not known about them. I never did it because I really thought no one actually cared to read them. And it didn't help that other people were saying how they were tired of seeing the posts and didn't care. Well I loved reading all the facts about people because everyone has a story and each person is uniquely interesting. So for some of you who read this but may not know much about me and because we are starting a new year, I am going to share some personal facts about me and you can CHOOSE to read them now or STOP reading at this point.
I was born to parents who were 15 years old at the time. I am the only child from my mom and dad but I have a sister and a brother from a different mom and another brother from a different dad. They are each amazing people and I wish we were all closer in age. When I was little I had a huge stuttering problem. I remember standing up in the 4th grade to give an oral book report and couldn't get the words to come out. I outgrew the stuttering in Junior High when I gave public speeches and signed up for theatre arts. My mom came to one of my performances and couldn't believe my shy, stuttering self was up on a stage performing. Actually, if you put me on a stage, I become a totally different person. If I find myself in an insecure situation or I rush to talk, I will occasionally stutter even now.
I was voted most likely to succeed in Jr. High and homecoming queen in High School. Though it was cool back then I really don't like for it to be brought up today. I have come to find out that in the grand scheme of life that doesn't mean a whole bunch. Titles are just that. In fact, I didn't finish college like I should have. I even promised my dad I would finish and I never did. And now I am just a receptionist at a machine shop, the best machine shop ever, I might add. It is funny how our definition of success changes as our life unfolds. I don't have to have a title to be successful. One of the hardest yet most rewarding things I have ever done is be a mom and we don't even capitalize that title.
I wanted to be a dancer when I was in elementary, then a lawyer in Jr. High, and eventually wanted to be a television news anchor. I always shake my booty just not professionally. If you play a song, I will dance. I still like to argue my point but I am way too emotional to ever do it for a living. And I still will have something to say if you shove a microphone in my face but I don't want to have to go out in hurricanes and disasters to cover the daily news. So I will stick to my hairbrush in front of the mirror forever. Plus, I think I have said before that "Hope Rhodes" just doesn't sound like a reporter's name.
I hate fireworks!!! I use to think it was the loud pop I didn't like but my heart starts pounding as I watch them shoot up in the air. I feel like I am anticipating a huge bomb about to explode. The Lord better take me before any huge bombs get dropped here because I may just pass out with the sound of the explosion. I try so hard to not be disrespectful at sporting events when they play the National Anthem. I keep one had on my heart and I put one ear on my shoulder because I get so anxious about them bursting fireworks during the words "and the rockets red glare." I am so thankful when we get through July 4th and New Years so that the fireworks can go away. We have spent the last two New Years inside the city limits so I was completely satisfied that fireworks couldn't be popped. By the way everyone in my house loves fireworks and loves to spend tons of money on them. I usually stay inside and watch from the window. I really need to get over the fear but it seems inevitably hard to do so.
Driving is one of my least favorite things to do! In fact, if I ever become rich in my finances, I would first hire a chauffeur. I would let someone drive me around every day and not think twice about it. I am horrible about being aware of my surroundings. Bryan gets on to me about this all the time because I don't pay enough attention when I am out in public or to things that I have no interest in like building colors or license plate numbers. However, I do pay attention to what people say and can remember the smallest detail. I can remember their favorite candy bar or what Sonic drink they like. I usually can tell you what their God-given gifts and talents are because I pay attention to how they act and what makes them smile. I love learning about people and what makes them tick! And I usually have a good instinct about people. If someone does not have good intentions, I usually know. If they are genuine, I usually know. I usually try to see the good in all people.
When I saw Bryan for the first time I thought he was so fine but way out of my league. I never thought he would give me the time of day. He was so tall and had a sophisticated arrogance about him. I was sure he would never give this short, curly-haired girl a second look. I have always been insecure about my hair and he loved it. Little did I know that I too was turning his head and we would end up never turning back. He made me feel like the most beautiful woman ever and he still does even when I am at my worst. Two boys and seventeen years later we are still going strong.
I didn't get saved until I was an adult. I grew up with church influence but I never had a true relationship with the Lord until I was older. I never knew God was someone who could be your father, friend and comforter all at the same time. God was a mystery me to me growing up but when I came into relationship with him my whole life changed. I can't and don't do life without Him! I think this is why I can relate to the un-churched and imperfect people so well. I was there and I am still not perfect. I like people to be real with me and with God. Don't quote me all the scriptures and have no love in your heart or treat people like crap. I would rather hang with the guy who said a dozen cuss words but is helping me fix my flat tire than with a self-righteous person with no compassion.
So there you have it! I am a deep thinker and this is probably one of the reasons I write. I hope as you share your eyes and ears with me by reading this blog that you will get a glimpse into who I am as a person. I am a crazy sports mom who is super competitive even though I am not very athletic myself. You can bet that I watch Sports Center almost every morning. I am highly inappropriate at times but I love a good laugh and can pick on myself. I will have laugh wrinkles as I grow old like Bryan said. I will wear them proudly! I am always dreaming of that bikini body even though I refuse to give up the foods I love. I look in the mirror and try to convince myself that there is potential and then go to the kitchen and grab an Oreo. And although I have had one my toughest years spiritually, I will pray with trembling hands and an open heart as I try to reach Heaven for the people I love and who ask me to.
As we begin 2014, I am expecting good things for my family. We will get back on the path that God has laid out for us. We will do our work with integrity and honesty. We will raise our boys to be respectful gentlemen with generous hearts. We will be unified as a family and give back to those around us. We will serve God and serve others!
Thank you for joining me again this year. I pray that you will find hope in my blogs. Some of you have told me that you cry when you read these blogs. If I saw you, I would cry with you. But I also pray that you laugh and know that I am just an everyday woman who shares the same experiences as you. I don't always get it right and I am not the most advanced writer. But I can promise you a life full of hope and promise. We can do life together!
A while back I saw several people posting interesting facts about themselves that people may have not known about them. I never did it because I really thought no one actually cared to read them. And it didn't help that other people were saying how they were tired of seeing the posts and didn't care. Well I loved reading all the facts about people because everyone has a story and each person is uniquely interesting. So for some of you who read this but may not know much about me and because we are starting a new year, I am going to share some personal facts about me and you can CHOOSE to read them now or STOP reading at this point.
I was born to parents who were 15 years old at the time. I am the only child from my mom and dad but I have a sister and a brother from a different mom and another brother from a different dad. They are each amazing people and I wish we were all closer in age. When I was little I had a huge stuttering problem. I remember standing up in the 4th grade to give an oral book report and couldn't get the words to come out. I outgrew the stuttering in Junior High when I gave public speeches and signed up for theatre arts. My mom came to one of my performances and couldn't believe my shy, stuttering self was up on a stage performing. Actually, if you put me on a stage, I become a totally different person. If I find myself in an insecure situation or I rush to talk, I will occasionally stutter even now.
I was voted most likely to succeed in Jr. High and homecoming queen in High School. Though it was cool back then I really don't like for it to be brought up today. I have come to find out that in the grand scheme of life that doesn't mean a whole bunch. Titles are just that. In fact, I didn't finish college like I should have. I even promised my dad I would finish and I never did. And now I am just a receptionist at a machine shop, the best machine shop ever, I might add. It is funny how our definition of success changes as our life unfolds. I don't have to have a title to be successful. One of the hardest yet most rewarding things I have ever done is be a mom and we don't even capitalize that title.
I wanted to be a dancer when I was in elementary, then a lawyer in Jr. High, and eventually wanted to be a television news anchor. I always shake my booty just not professionally. If you play a song, I will dance. I still like to argue my point but I am way too emotional to ever do it for a living. And I still will have something to say if you shove a microphone in my face but I don't want to have to go out in hurricanes and disasters to cover the daily news. So I will stick to my hairbrush in front of the mirror forever. Plus, I think I have said before that "Hope Rhodes" just doesn't sound like a reporter's name.
I hate fireworks!!! I use to think it was the loud pop I didn't like but my heart starts pounding as I watch them shoot up in the air. I feel like I am anticipating a huge bomb about to explode. The Lord better take me before any huge bombs get dropped here because I may just pass out with the sound of the explosion. I try so hard to not be disrespectful at sporting events when they play the National Anthem. I keep one had on my heart and I put one ear on my shoulder because I get so anxious about them bursting fireworks during the words "and the rockets red glare." I am so thankful when we get through July 4th and New Years so that the fireworks can go away. We have spent the last two New Years inside the city limits so I was completely satisfied that fireworks couldn't be popped. By the way everyone in my house loves fireworks and loves to spend tons of money on them. I usually stay inside and watch from the window. I really need to get over the fear but it seems inevitably hard to do so.
Driving is one of my least favorite things to do! In fact, if I ever become rich in my finances, I would first hire a chauffeur. I would let someone drive me around every day and not think twice about it. I am horrible about being aware of my surroundings. Bryan gets on to me about this all the time because I don't pay enough attention when I am out in public or to things that I have no interest in like building colors or license plate numbers. However, I do pay attention to what people say and can remember the smallest detail. I can remember their favorite candy bar or what Sonic drink they like. I usually can tell you what their God-given gifts and talents are because I pay attention to how they act and what makes them smile. I love learning about people and what makes them tick! And I usually have a good instinct about people. If someone does not have good intentions, I usually know. If they are genuine, I usually know. I usually try to see the good in all people.
When I saw Bryan for the first time I thought he was so fine but way out of my league. I never thought he would give me the time of day. He was so tall and had a sophisticated arrogance about him. I was sure he would never give this short, curly-haired girl a second look. I have always been insecure about my hair and he loved it. Little did I know that I too was turning his head and we would end up never turning back. He made me feel like the most beautiful woman ever and he still does even when I am at my worst. Two boys and seventeen years later we are still going strong.
I didn't get saved until I was an adult. I grew up with church influence but I never had a true relationship with the Lord until I was older. I never knew God was someone who could be your father, friend and comforter all at the same time. God was a mystery me to me growing up but when I came into relationship with him my whole life changed. I can't and don't do life without Him! I think this is why I can relate to the un-churched and imperfect people so well. I was there and I am still not perfect. I like people to be real with me and with God. Don't quote me all the scriptures and have no love in your heart or treat people like crap. I would rather hang with the guy who said a dozen cuss words but is helping me fix my flat tire than with a self-righteous person with no compassion.
So there you have it! I am a deep thinker and this is probably one of the reasons I write. I hope as you share your eyes and ears with me by reading this blog that you will get a glimpse into who I am as a person. I am a crazy sports mom who is super competitive even though I am not very athletic myself. You can bet that I watch Sports Center almost every morning. I am highly inappropriate at times but I love a good laugh and can pick on myself. I will have laugh wrinkles as I grow old like Bryan said. I will wear them proudly! I am always dreaming of that bikini body even though I refuse to give up the foods I love. I look in the mirror and try to convince myself that there is potential and then go to the kitchen and grab an Oreo. And although I have had one my toughest years spiritually, I will pray with trembling hands and an open heart as I try to reach Heaven for the people I love and who ask me to.
As we begin 2014, I am expecting good things for my family. We will get back on the path that God has laid out for us. We will do our work with integrity and honesty. We will raise our boys to be respectful gentlemen with generous hearts. We will be unified as a family and give back to those around us. We will serve God and serve others!
Thank you for joining me again this year. I pray that you will find hope in my blogs. Some of you have told me that you cry when you read these blogs. If I saw you, I would cry with you. But I also pray that you laugh and know that I am just an everyday woman who shares the same experiences as you. I don't always get it right and I am not the most advanced writer. But I can promise you a life full of hope and promise. We can do life together!
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Merry Christmas 2013!
It feels so good to sit down tonight and write. That may sound a little insignificant but I feel like I have been running on a fast track with no time to slow down. Like I have stated before, Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love the Christmas lights, the music, the gift-giving, the smiles on kid's faces when they open their gifts, Santa, and mostly celebrating the birth of the Savior.
But man this Christmas season has me feeling like I am riding a bull and I can't seem to get a grip on the horns and am about to fall off and get stomped on in the process. I feel like I have been playing catch up all season. I am a planner and like Christian told me the other day, I like for things to be in order. Part of it was because Bryan and I made some wrong turns in life and found ourselves back where we needed to be but with no time to plan. I have found that in life sometimes those wrong decisions help you to know exactly what is right in your life, what you need to focus on, and what you need to invest in. Nonetheless, we found ourselves thrown back into the daily grind of getting the feed store ready for the busiest time of year. We also had our local basketball league starting up at the same time. So all of the craziness that comes with that collided with our business and has made for some stressful days and nights. Throw in kids and everyday life and it seems we are in the midst of a hurricane.
I always have my tree up and decorated the first weekend after Thanksgiving. Given that we sell trees at our store, I still did not get mine up until just about a week ago. My Christmas cards weren't done by a professional photographer like I wanted. I went to seven stores trying to get jeans to fit my 12 year old and still haven't been able to find any to take professional pictures in. So our pictures were done courtesy of this momma forcing my kids to put a shirt on and stand by the fireplace. A momma who told her kids that we were getting that picture done in 10 minutes so stand up and smile. And there you go..."picture perfect." I am still running around on my lunches and after work picking up last minute gifts, because if I could get everyone in my life a present, I would. I ran to four different stores yesterday trying to find one more Nerds on a rope candy because even though Bo's school paper said take 20, he said his teacher said to bring 21. Let's just say I never found one so Bo doesn't get one. I am tired of running but I need to get my behind back to running again. Well, let's not even go there.
So I am out of breath typing all of this. Maybe you feel the same way. I told Bryan, this is the first Christmas in a long time that I felt like I haven't been able to take in the magical moments of Christmas. But wait, there have been some great moments, some small moments that have reminded me that Christmas is everyday. Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of a baby who would change the world by His words, His actions and His love. What better way to reflect the Savior than to change the world just as He did one small step at a time. So I choose to remember the great things that have happened over this crazy period of time in my life.
I am proud of a husband who recognizes his weaknesses, puts his pride to the side and admits when he has made a wrong decision. I am proud to be the wife of a man who says he is going to fight for what is his and for what he believes God has put before him. I am humbled by a son who is not outspoken about his good deeds but everyday when I drop him off for school, I see him opening a door for a classmate with his backpack, laptop and lunch in hand. I smile when I see my youngest offer his hot chocolate to a little girl who wanted some but there wasn't any left. I am confident in saying that we have prayed many prayers for some friends that are fighting for their life in a hospital room right now. I am thankful for great workers and the loyal customers who support our business and have made this a great Christmas season at the feed store. It was great to see three of my neighbors who don't even have little kids at home anymore come see my boy play basketball. I love having friends who go above and beyond to help make Christmas wishes come true. I was completely in awe getting to witness the woman who took care of my kids for four years get a new home, fully furnished by her wonderful kids. Her tears of joy made my heart smile!
I write all of this to say that Christmas is so much more than the pretty bows and the perfect card. It is the special moments that are packaged so genuinely that when opened they create happy hearts. We were given the best gift of all. We were given the answer to our hustle and bustle. We were given the answer to this crazy thing called life. Jesus came to give us abundant life. He came to give us peace and joy. Remember Him this Christmas. When you make Him your focus, you will see His children rise up and share the gifts that are inside them that He has given them. Share your gifts of laughter and joy. Spread love in the little moments that make powerful impacts on people. Never grow tired in doing good. God promises that at the right time it will come back to you.
Though my shoulders are tense as I sit and right this tonight because I am carrying the weight of some stresses in life, I write to tell you that God is good. Sometimes life is a whirlwind but if you can close your eyes and take a deep breath you can smell the sweet fragrances in the air. If you open your heart, you will see all the good that is out in the world. Hold on to the moments that may seem small but that make your eyes light up with joy. I pray that happiness fills your soul today! I pray that you take time for what matters most to you. May your families be blessed this Christmas and in the years to come. May Santa leave you some goodies. May you be showered with love by the One who gave you the best gift of all.
Merry Christmas to you and your families! You are loved!
Hope
But man this Christmas season has me feeling like I am riding a bull and I can't seem to get a grip on the horns and am about to fall off and get stomped on in the process. I feel like I have been playing catch up all season. I am a planner and like Christian told me the other day, I like for things to be in order. Part of it was because Bryan and I made some wrong turns in life and found ourselves back where we needed to be but with no time to plan. I have found that in life sometimes those wrong decisions help you to know exactly what is right in your life, what you need to focus on, and what you need to invest in. Nonetheless, we found ourselves thrown back into the daily grind of getting the feed store ready for the busiest time of year. We also had our local basketball league starting up at the same time. So all of the craziness that comes with that collided with our business and has made for some stressful days and nights. Throw in kids and everyday life and it seems we are in the midst of a hurricane.
I always have my tree up and decorated the first weekend after Thanksgiving. Given that we sell trees at our store, I still did not get mine up until just about a week ago. My Christmas cards weren't done by a professional photographer like I wanted. I went to seven stores trying to get jeans to fit my 12 year old and still haven't been able to find any to take professional pictures in. So our pictures were done courtesy of this momma forcing my kids to put a shirt on and stand by the fireplace. A momma who told her kids that we were getting that picture done in 10 minutes so stand up and smile. And there you go..."picture perfect." I am still running around on my lunches and after work picking up last minute gifts, because if I could get everyone in my life a present, I would. I ran to four different stores yesterday trying to find one more Nerds on a rope candy because even though Bo's school paper said take 20, he said his teacher said to bring 21. Let's just say I never found one so Bo doesn't get one. I am tired of running but I need to get my behind back to running again. Well, let's not even go there.
So I am out of breath typing all of this. Maybe you feel the same way. I told Bryan, this is the first Christmas in a long time that I felt like I haven't been able to take in the magical moments of Christmas. But wait, there have been some great moments, some small moments that have reminded me that Christmas is everyday. Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of a baby who would change the world by His words, His actions and His love. What better way to reflect the Savior than to change the world just as He did one small step at a time. So I choose to remember the great things that have happened over this crazy period of time in my life.
I am proud of a husband who recognizes his weaknesses, puts his pride to the side and admits when he has made a wrong decision. I am proud to be the wife of a man who says he is going to fight for what is his and for what he believes God has put before him. I am humbled by a son who is not outspoken about his good deeds but everyday when I drop him off for school, I see him opening a door for a classmate with his backpack, laptop and lunch in hand. I smile when I see my youngest offer his hot chocolate to a little girl who wanted some but there wasn't any left. I am confident in saying that we have prayed many prayers for some friends that are fighting for their life in a hospital room right now. I am thankful for great workers and the loyal customers who support our business and have made this a great Christmas season at the feed store. It was great to see three of my neighbors who don't even have little kids at home anymore come see my boy play basketball. I love having friends who go above and beyond to help make Christmas wishes come true. I was completely in awe getting to witness the woman who took care of my kids for four years get a new home, fully furnished by her wonderful kids. Her tears of joy made my heart smile!
I write all of this to say that Christmas is so much more than the pretty bows and the perfect card. It is the special moments that are packaged so genuinely that when opened they create happy hearts. We were given the best gift of all. We were given the answer to our hustle and bustle. We were given the answer to this crazy thing called life. Jesus came to give us abundant life. He came to give us peace and joy. Remember Him this Christmas. When you make Him your focus, you will see His children rise up and share the gifts that are inside them that He has given them. Share your gifts of laughter and joy. Spread love in the little moments that make powerful impacts on people. Never grow tired in doing good. God promises that at the right time it will come back to you.
Though my shoulders are tense as I sit and right this tonight because I am carrying the weight of some stresses in life, I write to tell you that God is good. Sometimes life is a whirlwind but if you can close your eyes and take a deep breath you can smell the sweet fragrances in the air. If you open your heart, you will see all the good that is out in the world. Hold on to the moments that may seem small but that make your eyes light up with joy. I pray that happiness fills your soul today! I pray that you take time for what matters most to you. May your families be blessed this Christmas and in the years to come. May Santa leave you some goodies. May you be showered with love by the One who gave you the best gift of all.
Merry Christmas to you and your families! You are loved!
Hope
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Picture Perfect
As Thanksgiving approaches, we are all excited about stuffing our faces with turkey and getting to hang out with family. It is a time of being thankful but it has also become the holiday that sets the stage for Christmas. Is it just me? Or does everyone seem to start setting up for Christmas earlier and earlier each year. I absolutely love Christmas! It is by far my favorite holiday and favorite time of year. I love the colors, the smell of Christmas trees, fires burning and hot chocolate. I love the meaning of Christmas. It is the day that a Savior was born! It is a time to be joyful and a time to give as we were given such a great gift.
During this time, I start preparing to send out my Christmas cards. So, I have been running around for the past two weeks trying to find my tall and skinny kid a pair of blue jeans just so we can take a family picture for our Christmas cards this year. I have yet to find anything that fits him and I refuse to have him in wind pants or shorts. That would just defeat the whole ambiance that I am trying to create. So what goes into the photograph that makes it just right, picture perfect? That very question has me wondering just what lies behind the scenes of the perfect picture.
Anyone who has little ones, knows how difficult it is just to get just one picture where everyone is looking in the same direction. I know over the years we have done everything to get our boys to cooperate. The final product turns out fine but if you saw all the out takes you would laugh. I have had Christian crying because we threated to spank him if he didn't smile. I have had Bo crying because Christian hugged his neck too tight and caused him to choke. Bryan has mooned both boys just to get them to smile. Someone farts just in the middle of the count and then we have to start all over because everyone is laughing hysterically. After several shots, we usually have a couple to choose from. Everyone sees the picture and says how great everyone looks. They don't know the struggle that is behind those perfect poses and those sparkling smiles.
When you look at someone's finished portrait, you may not know the struggles or the triumph's they have encountered. There may be a loved one missing from that picture that has left a void in the family's life. There may be scars from a surgery and wounds from battle that are covered nicely by clothes and makeup. There may be pain in their body because they are sick but they are able to muster up enough energy for a picture. There may be internal hurt because someone has betrayed them or because they haven't let go of past experiences. And of course not every story is full of heart break. Behind someone's smile might be the recent joy from the birth of a child. Someone is beaming because they were just told they are healed of cancer. A young man asked a girl to marry him and she said yes. They may be smiling because they know what all God has brought them through and they are just glowing with thankfulness.
Behind my picture is a whole life story. My life is not perfect. I have encountered sickness. My smile is crooked now because of a wound that never fully healed. I have broken relationships that have caused a void in my life. I have missed God's voice and made several wrong decisions. I have had to swallow my pride and admit that I am wrong. I have lost loved ones that I miss a whole lot. I have smiled when I don't feel like smiling. And I have been hurt because no one asked me what was wrong. I have had pity parties and invited only myself. I have been discouraged because I feel like I am not using my gifts and talents the way I should be. Maybe I am scared that I don't even possess those gifts and talents anymore. But even with all of that said, there is so much good that comes with that smile. Behind that smile, is a woman who genuinely cares about people. I smile because I have two healthy boys who make me more proud to be their mom each and every day. I smile because I have a husband who has my back and wants to be a better man even though I already think he is the best. I smile because even though I interfere with God's plan for my life, He takes me where I am and puts me back on track. He believes in what I am called to be and who He created me to be. I smile because God reassures me that my gifts, talents and dreams are not dead. I smile because I have a God that will get me through anything. I smile because there is hope in Him. Heaven is picture perfect to me!
So I challenge you as you are opening everyone's Christmas cards and seeing pictures of their families, remember that they have a story. It may be a good story but I am sure it has some bumps and turns and twists. You got their card because you are special to them. Remember to ask them how they are doing. Take time to pray for them and whatever they may be going through. It may be all good. In that case take time to thank the Lord for blessing them and ask Him to continue to do so. As you sit drinking hot chocolate in your home, opening cards, there may be someone in the hospital fighting for their life. They need your prayers because they may not have the energy to pray for themselves. As you sit and take your family picture, there may be someone just trying to hold their family together. Be thankful for all that you have! Take time for people. We are all very busy and sometimes feel like we don't have an ounce of energy to give to anyone else. But there will be moments when you may be all the energy they have. Love people. Don't love them just from a distance. Put your arm around them and let them know that you care. Christmas is all about Jesus who was born to save us all. Jesus preached love and compassion. He carried our burdens and told us to go out and change the world. You may not be able to help everyone. But you can make a difference in someone's life. You could be a part of the smile that lights up their family picture. You can help make it picture perfect.
I hope you all have a great holiday season with your family. I encourage you to spread love through this wonderful and hectic time. I pray your families keep smiling and keep sharing your life story. Everyone has a story and everyone can make a difference. I am glad you are a part of my story as you take time to read my random thoughts in this blog. You humble me and I am thankful.
Below is some of our imperfect Christmas pictures over the years!
During this time, I start preparing to send out my Christmas cards. So, I have been running around for the past two weeks trying to find my tall and skinny kid a pair of blue jeans just so we can take a family picture for our Christmas cards this year. I have yet to find anything that fits him and I refuse to have him in wind pants or shorts. That would just defeat the whole ambiance that I am trying to create. So what goes into the photograph that makes it just right, picture perfect? That very question has me wondering just what lies behind the scenes of the perfect picture.
Anyone who has little ones, knows how difficult it is just to get just one picture where everyone is looking in the same direction. I know over the years we have done everything to get our boys to cooperate. The final product turns out fine but if you saw all the out takes you would laugh. I have had Christian crying because we threated to spank him if he didn't smile. I have had Bo crying because Christian hugged his neck too tight and caused him to choke. Bryan has mooned both boys just to get them to smile. Someone farts just in the middle of the count and then we have to start all over because everyone is laughing hysterically. After several shots, we usually have a couple to choose from. Everyone sees the picture and says how great everyone looks. They don't know the struggle that is behind those perfect poses and those sparkling smiles.
When you look at someone's finished portrait, you may not know the struggles or the triumph's they have encountered. There may be a loved one missing from that picture that has left a void in the family's life. There may be scars from a surgery and wounds from battle that are covered nicely by clothes and makeup. There may be pain in their body because they are sick but they are able to muster up enough energy for a picture. There may be internal hurt because someone has betrayed them or because they haven't let go of past experiences. And of course not every story is full of heart break. Behind someone's smile might be the recent joy from the birth of a child. Someone is beaming because they were just told they are healed of cancer. A young man asked a girl to marry him and she said yes. They may be smiling because they know what all God has brought them through and they are just glowing with thankfulness.
Behind my picture is a whole life story. My life is not perfect. I have encountered sickness. My smile is crooked now because of a wound that never fully healed. I have broken relationships that have caused a void in my life. I have missed God's voice and made several wrong decisions. I have had to swallow my pride and admit that I am wrong. I have lost loved ones that I miss a whole lot. I have smiled when I don't feel like smiling. And I have been hurt because no one asked me what was wrong. I have had pity parties and invited only myself. I have been discouraged because I feel like I am not using my gifts and talents the way I should be. Maybe I am scared that I don't even possess those gifts and talents anymore. But even with all of that said, there is so much good that comes with that smile. Behind that smile, is a woman who genuinely cares about people. I smile because I have two healthy boys who make me more proud to be their mom each and every day. I smile because I have a husband who has my back and wants to be a better man even though I already think he is the best. I smile because even though I interfere with God's plan for my life, He takes me where I am and puts me back on track. He believes in what I am called to be and who He created me to be. I smile because God reassures me that my gifts, talents and dreams are not dead. I smile because I have a God that will get me through anything. I smile because there is hope in Him. Heaven is picture perfect to me!
So I challenge you as you are opening everyone's Christmas cards and seeing pictures of their families, remember that they have a story. It may be a good story but I am sure it has some bumps and turns and twists. You got their card because you are special to them. Remember to ask them how they are doing. Take time to pray for them and whatever they may be going through. It may be all good. In that case take time to thank the Lord for blessing them and ask Him to continue to do so. As you sit drinking hot chocolate in your home, opening cards, there may be someone in the hospital fighting for their life. They need your prayers because they may not have the energy to pray for themselves. As you sit and take your family picture, there may be someone just trying to hold their family together. Be thankful for all that you have! Take time for people. We are all very busy and sometimes feel like we don't have an ounce of energy to give to anyone else. But there will be moments when you may be all the energy they have. Love people. Don't love them just from a distance. Put your arm around them and let them know that you care. Christmas is all about Jesus who was born to save us all. Jesus preached love and compassion. He carried our burdens and told us to go out and change the world. You may not be able to help everyone. But you can make a difference in someone's life. You could be a part of the smile that lights up their family picture. You can help make it picture perfect.
I hope you all have a great holiday season with your family. I encourage you to spread love through this wonderful and hectic time. I pray your families keep smiling and keep sharing your life story. Everyone has a story and everyone can make a difference. I am glad you are a part of my story as you take time to read my random thoughts in this blog. You humble me and I am thankful.
Below is some of our imperfect Christmas pictures over the years!
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Because it's November and I am thankful!
Since it is November and we are well on our way to Thanksgiving, I was going to try and do a daily post on Facebook of what I am thankful for. But I have already missed three days. So I thought I would just sum it all up into one blog. I have so many things to be thankful for that I am sure I won't be able to cover it all. But as I write them all down, it does remind me that my life is truly blessed.
Let me start off by saying that I am thankful for the little things. I love the things that make me smile like chocolate when I have a sweet tooth thing going on. I love when my favorite songs come on the radio and cause me to sing at the top of my lungs and put my hands in the air and wave them like I just don't care. I love when the sunshine is out, because it reminds me that there is warm ray of light that shines down in a dark and sometimes scary world. A baby's giggle and toddlers beginning to talk make me smile. I am thankful for lipstick because I don't leave home without it. I am thankful for basketball gyms, and baseball and football fields because they give me a place to cheer my favorite people on at. I am thankful for the people who hold the jobs that I would not want to do but are so vital to our way of living. I am thankful for teachers who deal with my kids all day long and then have to go home and be parents to their own. I am thankful when Summer first hits so there is no more homework and then I am thankful when August rolls around because I get my routine back. I could name so many more things but you get the drift. I tend to always remember the big stuff and forget that there are so many little things that I am thankful for.
I am thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful for my Dad who has taught me to work hard and to get your hands dirty. He taught me how to mow a yard and how to catch a softball. I am thankful for a mom who put her teenage life on hold to raise me and love me. She always made me believe that I could do anything and is always in my corner. I am thankful for the rest of my family who have filled my life with so many memories that will forever be in my thoughts. I am thankful for friends who have been like a family to me. They have brought me caramel apples and homemade food. They have shuttled my kids around. They have coached my kids. They have fed them and cheered them on. They have prayed for them. I am thankful for the ones who cheer me up and the ones who shoot straight with me. I am thankful for the ones who make me laugh so hard that I shed tears. I am thankful for the ones who I can say something off the cuff with and yet they still love me. I am thankful for the ones who defend me when I am not around. Words can never be enough to describe how much my family and friends mean to me.
I thank God everyday for the two precious gifts He gave me in Christian and Bo. I am thankful that I have a brown-skinned one like me and a light-skinned one like Bryan. My point in saying that is not because the color matters. I love it because it is a true representation of Bryan and I. We are different but we fit and what comes out of it is beautiful in every way. I am thankful for my oldest who has made me question my every move as a mother. Being his mom has made me work on being the best mom that I can be. He has caused me to pray more prayers than I have ever prayed in my life. I am thankful for his uniqueness. I am thankful that when it counts, he has listened to what we have taught him. I am thankful he shows his character through his actions. I am thankful he believes in prayer and knows the Lord. I am also grateful that Bo came into our lives four years later. We almost didn't have him. And now, I couldn't imagine life without him. I am thankful for his dimples and his smile. I am thankful for his huge heart. I am thankful we decided to name him Bo because who knew two letters put together would create such a great kid. I am thankful I have two boys. I do wish at times I had a girl so she could wear cute clothes but I am thankful for jerseys and tennis shoes too. Thank you God for entrusting me with the lives of these two amazing boys.
The Lord blessed me beyond measure when He brought Bryan into my life. I am thankful for his humor and playful attitude. He makes me smile. He keeps me sane! He can give me just a look and it lets me know that everything is going to be alright. I am thankful that he has an opinion. That may bite me in the behind though. He is not scared to stand up for what is right no matter if he becomes the outcast. I am thankful that he lets me be me. He is complimentary and unselfish. I am thankful for the father he is. He spends a countless amount of time with the boys. He plays video games and throws footballs and runs races and coaches and works hard. I am thankful that he is a man of God. He is believer and he is a doer. I am thankful that he hugs me and tells me he loves me every day. I am thankful that God gave me a man who is everything a man should be. His genuine spirit makes me want to be a better person.
And most of all, I couldn't have all of these things if I didn't have God in my life. I am thankful that He gave His only son up to die for me so that I could have an abundant life and a promise of a future. I am thankful that He loved me before I was even born. He knew where I would be and what I would do and yet He still loved me. I am thankful for every perfect gift that He has given me. I am thankful that I can wake up each morning and know that He holds my every moment. Thank you God for my health because without it I could not be a good mom to two very active boys. Thank you for your promises of healing sweet Savior. For in those promises, I know that my friends and family that are struggling with sickness have hope. Thank you for loving me despite the ugliness that can fill my mind and my heart. Thank you for hearing me when I pray even when it seems like it has been a long time. I am glad you listen because I am praying for so many that need you right now. I am so thankful that you saved me and that you are still walking through this life with me. I am thankful that I get to be with you forever!
I hope that after reading this, you will see that there was no way I could fit all of this into a daily post. I am thankful for each of you who read this. I pray that each one of you would have so much more to be thankful for. Thank you for being part of my extended family and for letting my words speak to you. I hope this November is filled with an overwhelming amount of gratitude. Life is good! I am thankful!
Let me start off by saying that I am thankful for the little things. I love the things that make me smile like chocolate when I have a sweet tooth thing going on. I love when my favorite songs come on the radio and cause me to sing at the top of my lungs and put my hands in the air and wave them like I just don't care. I love when the sunshine is out, because it reminds me that there is warm ray of light that shines down in a dark and sometimes scary world. A baby's giggle and toddlers beginning to talk make me smile. I am thankful for lipstick because I don't leave home without it. I am thankful for basketball gyms, and baseball and football fields because they give me a place to cheer my favorite people on at. I am thankful for the people who hold the jobs that I would not want to do but are so vital to our way of living. I am thankful for teachers who deal with my kids all day long and then have to go home and be parents to their own. I am thankful when Summer first hits so there is no more homework and then I am thankful when August rolls around because I get my routine back. I could name so many more things but you get the drift. I tend to always remember the big stuff and forget that there are so many little things that I am thankful for.
I am thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful for my Dad who has taught me to work hard and to get your hands dirty. He taught me how to mow a yard and how to catch a softball. I am thankful for a mom who put her teenage life on hold to raise me and love me. She always made me believe that I could do anything and is always in my corner. I am thankful for the rest of my family who have filled my life with so many memories that will forever be in my thoughts. I am thankful for friends who have been like a family to me. They have brought me caramel apples and homemade food. They have shuttled my kids around. They have coached my kids. They have fed them and cheered them on. They have prayed for them. I am thankful for the ones who cheer me up and the ones who shoot straight with me. I am thankful for the ones who make me laugh so hard that I shed tears. I am thankful for the ones who I can say something off the cuff with and yet they still love me. I am thankful for the ones who defend me when I am not around. Words can never be enough to describe how much my family and friends mean to me.
I thank God everyday for the two precious gifts He gave me in Christian and Bo. I am thankful that I have a brown-skinned one like me and a light-skinned one like Bryan. My point in saying that is not because the color matters. I love it because it is a true representation of Bryan and I. We are different but we fit and what comes out of it is beautiful in every way. I am thankful for my oldest who has made me question my every move as a mother. Being his mom has made me work on being the best mom that I can be. He has caused me to pray more prayers than I have ever prayed in my life. I am thankful for his uniqueness. I am thankful that when it counts, he has listened to what we have taught him. I am thankful he shows his character through his actions. I am thankful he believes in prayer and knows the Lord. I am also grateful that Bo came into our lives four years later. We almost didn't have him. And now, I couldn't imagine life without him. I am thankful for his dimples and his smile. I am thankful for his huge heart. I am thankful we decided to name him Bo because who knew two letters put together would create such a great kid. I am thankful I have two boys. I do wish at times I had a girl so she could wear cute clothes but I am thankful for jerseys and tennis shoes too. Thank you God for entrusting me with the lives of these two amazing boys.
The Lord blessed me beyond measure when He brought Bryan into my life. I am thankful for his humor and playful attitude. He makes me smile. He keeps me sane! He can give me just a look and it lets me know that everything is going to be alright. I am thankful that he has an opinion. That may bite me in the behind though. He is not scared to stand up for what is right no matter if he becomes the outcast. I am thankful that he lets me be me. He is complimentary and unselfish. I am thankful for the father he is. He spends a countless amount of time with the boys. He plays video games and throws footballs and runs races and coaches and works hard. I am thankful that he is a man of God. He is believer and he is a doer. I am thankful that he hugs me and tells me he loves me every day. I am thankful that God gave me a man who is everything a man should be. His genuine spirit makes me want to be a better person.
And most of all, I couldn't have all of these things if I didn't have God in my life. I am thankful that He gave His only son up to die for me so that I could have an abundant life and a promise of a future. I am thankful that He loved me before I was even born. He knew where I would be and what I would do and yet He still loved me. I am thankful for every perfect gift that He has given me. I am thankful that I can wake up each morning and know that He holds my every moment. Thank you God for my health because without it I could not be a good mom to two very active boys. Thank you for your promises of healing sweet Savior. For in those promises, I know that my friends and family that are struggling with sickness have hope. Thank you for loving me despite the ugliness that can fill my mind and my heart. Thank you for hearing me when I pray even when it seems like it has been a long time. I am glad you listen because I am praying for so many that need you right now. I am so thankful that you saved me and that you are still walking through this life with me. I am thankful that I get to be with you forever!
I hope that after reading this, you will see that there was no way I could fit all of this into a daily post. I am thankful for each of you who read this. I pray that each one of you would have so much more to be thankful for. Thank you for being part of my extended family and for letting my words speak to you. I hope this November is filled with an overwhelming amount of gratitude. Life is good! I am thankful!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)