I do have to start out by saying that I apologize if most of my blogs have to with running or sports. But this seems to be my inspiration for writing right now.
Last Saturday Bryan and I went out for a run before Christian's basketball tournament. I hadn't ran 4 miles since last December so I wasn't totally looking forward to it especially in this Texas heat. When we got to the park, I realized that I forgot my ipod. This is a sin in my book. I have to have music to run. Those of you that know me, know that music is a big part of my life and I listen to everything. If you grabbed my ipod, you would hear everything from Kid Rock, to George Jones, to Donna Summer to Disciple mixed in with a little Bob Marley. So needless to say, I was not looking forward to a run without my tunes. Bryan told me that it would be a good time for me to pray. Pray? Really? I don't mind praying but I can't do it when I am running. I will usually start out by saying "Lord help me to endure, give me strength." Then I usually start singing something like "Humpty Dance" or something totally not something I would sing in church.
Despite the lack of music, I had to put my big girl panties on and run anyway. Surprisingly, I made it through and caught a little perspective along the way. I was asking the Lord to help me finish the run. As I began to ask for this, I felt some conviction. I though about all of the unfinished projects in my life. Sure I can name things at my house that are unfinished. In order to protect my husband, I will not call him out on such things. But I know that I have pictures scattered all in my front room that I have been needing to organize and put away. They have become such great decorations for the floor. I have used items that are piled up in the garage that I need to either tag for a garage sale or just donate. While all of these things need to get done and I need to get disciplined about doing them, I am more concerned with all of the things I have not finished regarding the Kingdom.
A while back I started writing letters to people who had influenced my life and had planned to mail those out to them. I have yet to complete them. I have made so many promises to God that I know I have failed to keep. So there I was asking the Lord to help me finish, to help me endure and I realized that there is so much I haven't done for Him that I said I would. Now I know that we are not saved by our works but when we follow God we want to do good things and are often prompted to do them too. I am humbled by His grace and I am thankful that His love for me is not based on my performance. I am grateful that just because I don't keep my promises doesn't mean that He doesn't keep His. He reassures me that even though there are things that I do not finish, He still believes in me and will equip me with all that I need to finish. He doesn't write me off just because I fail to complete what I initially set out to do. Instead, He takes me right where I am and gives me another chance.
I have so many dreams and so many things I want to do and be in life. I want to be a better wife and mother and I am daily working on that. I want to learn to say "I am sorry" more often. I want to not get tired in being the bigger person. I want to be in a position to bless people and encourage them with my words and my finances. I want to read my bible more. I want to never go a day without praying. As I write these sentences on paper, I can't help but think that I am going to screw this up. Just today, my stomach hurts and my head is full of the stresses of life. And I want to sit down and play candy crush all night just to clear my head. But instead, I am writing this to bring some healing to my own heart and mind.
I ask you to look into your own life and see if there are any "unfinished" projects. Are there things you have started that you want to finish? Are there promises you have made that you were unable to keep? Is there someone in your life that you have put on the back burner that may need you right at this moment? Are there dreams you have that you have buried beneath your current circumstance? Know today that God knows exactly where you are at in life. He knows your current situation. He takes you right where you are and gives you all that you need to pick back up. He always keeps his promises and He never fails us. We are like unfinished clay that the potter is continuing to sculpt to create a beautiful masterpiece. Just as God doesn't give up on us, we should never give up on becoming more like Him. Whether it is a walk, a jog, or a full out sprint, make sure you finish the race. The reward will be more than we could ever fathom.
Blessings,
Hope
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
Running, Basketball & Friends
So much has gone on from last Sunday until today. On Sunday, May 5th I had a group of 24 people, who I consider super important in my life, run the Lupus 5K with me. It wasn't my first 5K but this race meant so much more to me. My mom and I both have lupus and I have missed this race every year. This year I was determined to fit it into my schedule. When I set out to enter the race I never expected the response I would get from family and friends. I had a huge support group! For some, it was their first 5K to ever do. Each person had a different goal. Others just wanted to run without stopping. Some wanted to beat a certain time. Some just wanted to finish the race. This race wasn't just about lupus. This was about rising up against life's challenges. This was about running towards a goal and not letting anything drag you down.
Sure we all face different obstacles and we all have our way of dealing with them. Some of us sprint towards the finish line while some of us have to stop and catch our breath before moving forward. But in the end, we all cross the finish line. It was so cool getting to see the people I knew making their way towards the end. All I could say was "That one is on my team!" Isn't that how life should be? We should all run this race together. We should all encourage one another daily. Whether we finished first or we finished last, we all had the same smile to go along with our sweat. I feel like God is looking at us as we go through this thing called life. He wants us to get to the finish line. He wants to look and say "that one is on my team." He rejoices when we don't give up. He gives us strength when we want to quit. He breathes into us when we can't seem to catch our own breath. He sends people along the way to lift us up and motivate us when we need an extra boost. I am so thankful for every person who took time out of their Sunday to run with me. There is power in numbers and I am so glad you are on my team. We did it!
After the race there was no time for slowing down. We headed to Canton, TX on Wednesday for the Little Dribblers National Tournament. I got to travel with some of the same people who were on my 5K team. This time our goal was different. We were there to cheer on our kids as they played for a national championship title. As parents, we were so excited to see our team play and we were anxious as to what the other teams might bring onto the court. We have a great group of boys with big hearts who reflect the parents that are raising them. We fell short of the title but the experience was great. We played some giants with some fancy moves and a lot of swagger. Our boys aren't quite so big and play what I would call "clean" basketball. But I watched them get out there and face these giants. At times they were intimidated but they gathered their composure and faced them head on for four quarters. They missed some passes, took some falls, and had some shots blocked.
I can only relate this back to life. Sometimes we face things that are bigger than us, problems that are too big for us to handle. And though our knees may tremble and our hearts beat fast, we stay focused. We ask God for courage and strength and He gives it to us. We may not always get the trophy but greater is our reward in heaven. Always play with integrity and with heart. God doesn't look at the outside but at the inside. Just as God beams with pride when He sees us so did we when we looked at our boys. Sometimes we only point out what they could have done better or what they didn't do. But they do so many things right and I want to remember that. They got back up, they sunk some beautiful shots, and they rebounded several balls. Again, this experience was about more than basketball. It was about community. We all cheered for eachother's kid and truly wanted each one to do their best. I couldn't be happier being a part of a group of people who share the same values and who truly desire to see the best in each kid.
Through these experiences, I was able to see God's love for me. He loves me so much and he has sent so many wonderful people in my life to display His love. Talk about divine appointments! I truly believe that so many have come into my life for a reason. I have had happy moments, sad moments and even moments of frustration. But these people have been there with me through it all. We don't always agree but we have a common purpose. We are all seeking to be the best friends, mothers, fathers, wives, husbands and children of God that we can be. God wanted us to fellowship and to encouarage one another daily. I am so thankful that he has picked some of the best people for me and my family.
Lord I thank you for each person in my life today. I pray that they know how important they are to me. And Lord if they don't know, help me to show them. Help me to never take them for granted. I pray that you watch over each one of them and their families. Lord bless them abundantly because they are your children. Give them the desires of their hearts as they delight themselves in you. Thank you for showing me how much you love me and my children and using them to show me just that. Lord help me to keep my eyes and heart open to receive anyone else you bring into my life. Thank you Lord for loving me, my friends, and my family.
Sure we all face different obstacles and we all have our way of dealing with them. Some of us sprint towards the finish line while some of us have to stop and catch our breath before moving forward. But in the end, we all cross the finish line. It was so cool getting to see the people I knew making their way towards the end. All I could say was "That one is on my team!" Isn't that how life should be? We should all run this race together. We should all encourage one another daily. Whether we finished first or we finished last, we all had the same smile to go along with our sweat. I feel like God is looking at us as we go through this thing called life. He wants us to get to the finish line. He wants to look and say "that one is on my team." He rejoices when we don't give up. He gives us strength when we want to quit. He breathes into us when we can't seem to catch our own breath. He sends people along the way to lift us up and motivate us when we need an extra boost. I am so thankful for every person who took time out of their Sunday to run with me. There is power in numbers and I am so glad you are on my team. We did it!
After the race there was no time for slowing down. We headed to Canton, TX on Wednesday for the Little Dribblers National Tournament. I got to travel with some of the same people who were on my 5K team. This time our goal was different. We were there to cheer on our kids as they played for a national championship title. As parents, we were so excited to see our team play and we were anxious as to what the other teams might bring onto the court. We have a great group of boys with big hearts who reflect the parents that are raising them. We fell short of the title but the experience was great. We played some giants with some fancy moves and a lot of swagger. Our boys aren't quite so big and play what I would call "clean" basketball. But I watched them get out there and face these giants. At times they were intimidated but they gathered their composure and faced them head on for four quarters. They missed some passes, took some falls, and had some shots blocked.
I can only relate this back to life. Sometimes we face things that are bigger than us, problems that are too big for us to handle. And though our knees may tremble and our hearts beat fast, we stay focused. We ask God for courage and strength and He gives it to us. We may not always get the trophy but greater is our reward in heaven. Always play with integrity and with heart. God doesn't look at the outside but at the inside. Just as God beams with pride when He sees us so did we when we looked at our boys. Sometimes we only point out what they could have done better or what they didn't do. But they do so many things right and I want to remember that. They got back up, they sunk some beautiful shots, and they rebounded several balls. Again, this experience was about more than basketball. It was about community. We all cheered for eachother's kid and truly wanted each one to do their best. I couldn't be happier being a part of a group of people who share the same values and who truly desire to see the best in each kid.
Through these experiences, I was able to see God's love for me. He loves me so much and he has sent so many wonderful people in my life to display His love. Talk about divine appointments! I truly believe that so many have come into my life for a reason. I have had happy moments, sad moments and even moments of frustration. But these people have been there with me through it all. We don't always agree but we have a common purpose. We are all seeking to be the best friends, mothers, fathers, wives, husbands and children of God that we can be. God wanted us to fellowship and to encouarage one another daily. I am so thankful that he has picked some of the best people for me and my family.
Lord I thank you for each person in my life today. I pray that they know how important they are to me. And Lord if they don't know, help me to show them. Help me to never take them for granted. I pray that you watch over each one of them and their families. Lord bless them abundantly because they are your children. Give them the desires of their hearts as they delight themselves in you. Thank you for showing me how much you love me and my children and using them to show me just that. Lord help me to keep my eyes and heart open to receive anyone else you bring into my life. Thank you Lord for loving me, my friends, and my family.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Call Me Crazy!
A few of my friends commented that they hadn't seen me blog lately. I usually have some life experience that inspires me and if I don't get it down soon then I will move on to something else. A lot of times, I write just so I can get some thoughts out of my head. It is nice to know that some of you can relate to my experiences and I do appreciate those of you who keep reading when I don't make a lot of sense.
These last few days have been crazy, but again, I learned some life lessons in the process. I have always told myself to never say never. I find when I say that one word that I wind up choking on it later in life. I have choked a lot on that one word since I have had kids. I have also been known to do some CRAZY things in my life. Recently I joined the crazies overnight to sign Bo up for football. I never did this for Christian and he played 3 years of peewee football and turned out just fine. But Bo wanted to play with his friends so in this particular case there was a limited amount of spots and he said he wanted us to try. So for about 2 weeks Bryan and I contemplated on whether or not we were willing to stand in line for this. We tried every way to talk ourselves out of it. But I thought to myself about all of the crazy things in life I have done before. Why should this be any different? I begged my mom in jr. high to buy me some high dollar (at the time) pair of Guess jeans because everyone else had some. I threw some cd's out of my car window at my ex-boyfriend because he made me mad. I did a bungee catapult in Cancun my Senior year in High School. I stood in a long line to buy Garth Brooks concert tickets which happened to be one of the best concerts I have ever seen. I have gone black Friday shopping at wee hours of the morning. I have dressed up in a buddy barrel costume at church and did the cabbage patch down the center aisle. I get up at 4:40 to go to a 5 a.m. boot camp three days a week and all my night-owl friends think I am nuts. I will spare you with any more examples because some are just better left unsaid. My point is, I have done some crazy things over my life. So I loaded up an overnight bag and headed to sign ups.
We could only go on Friday since we had to work but what we didn't know was that a friend of ours stayed overnight to hold Bo a spot. She did not tell us because she knew we would not agree to it. When Bryan found out, we didn't know whether to be mad or give her a hug. It was one of the most sweetest, generous acts I have ever been on the receiving end of. To know that someone cared that much about us as a family that they would sacrifice their time for no benefit of their own was beyond words of appreciation. I also was able to be a part of a group of people who watched out for each other. Everyone was so nice and would offer food and drinks to everyone there. It really was a great experience minus the lack of sleep. These last couple of days showed me just how much I am thankful to be a part of a team. I am not just talking about a sports team. I am talking about a team of people who pay it forward. I have a team of parents, friends and family members who have my back. They pick my kids up. They feed them. They cry with me when I hurt for one of my kids. They rejoice with me in my triumphs and lift me up when I am defeated. Most of them share the same family values and serve the same God I do.
There are those who think this is insane and that we come across as a bunch of crazed sports parents. What's funny is that I didn't see any parent out there whose kid was not smiling or who was kicking and screaming saying they didn't want to play. I can say that I have never forced my kids to play anything. Although, deep down I do wish I could make them both still play baseball. I do encourage them to stay active because there are many health benefits to it. I do push them because naturally they probably would rather sit in the air-conditioned house and play video games all day. I also push them because you need people in your life that raise your standards and make you want to achieve higher goals. I personally like the commitment and dedication that most extra curricular activities teach. I admire the die hard runners who get up at the crack of dawn and run the Fred Hartman bridge. I respect the agricultural students who feed their animals mulitple times a day and go to shows. I am in awe of the kids who have a study book in their hand at all times and fit every advanced class in their schedules. Most of all, I commend the parents of these kids. I commend the parents who are a part of whatever their kids choose to do. I commend the parents who drive all over town picking up school project materials, who stay up washing uniforms after a full day of work, who run a taxi service for kids needing rides, and who cheer as loud as they can for every kid. Go ahead and call us crazy! You are right on! I don't know if I could get everything done if I wasn't a little on the looney side. I am crazy about the Lord, my church family, my friends, my family, and my kids. (And most of all crazy about my man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Bryan sat down and added this line. He is crazy too!
I want to say thank you to all of the people in my life who love me for who I am. You may do some things that I think is nuts too but I will love you any way. Jesus only gave us two commandments. He told us to love the Lord with all of your heart, mind and soul and to love others as yourself. I am thankful for the love you have shown me and I hope that you know that I love you too.
Blessings to you from this crazy lady!
These last few days have been crazy, but again, I learned some life lessons in the process. I have always told myself to never say never. I find when I say that one word that I wind up choking on it later in life. I have choked a lot on that one word since I have had kids. I have also been known to do some CRAZY things in my life. Recently I joined the crazies overnight to sign Bo up for football. I never did this for Christian and he played 3 years of peewee football and turned out just fine. But Bo wanted to play with his friends so in this particular case there was a limited amount of spots and he said he wanted us to try. So for about 2 weeks Bryan and I contemplated on whether or not we were willing to stand in line for this. We tried every way to talk ourselves out of it. But I thought to myself about all of the crazy things in life I have done before. Why should this be any different? I begged my mom in jr. high to buy me some high dollar (at the time) pair of Guess jeans because everyone else had some. I threw some cd's out of my car window at my ex-boyfriend because he made me mad. I did a bungee catapult in Cancun my Senior year in High School. I stood in a long line to buy Garth Brooks concert tickets which happened to be one of the best concerts I have ever seen. I have gone black Friday shopping at wee hours of the morning. I have dressed up in a buddy barrel costume at church and did the cabbage patch down the center aisle. I get up at 4:40 to go to a 5 a.m. boot camp three days a week and all my night-owl friends think I am nuts. I will spare you with any more examples because some are just better left unsaid. My point is, I have done some crazy things over my life. So I loaded up an overnight bag and headed to sign ups.
We could only go on Friday since we had to work but what we didn't know was that a friend of ours stayed overnight to hold Bo a spot. She did not tell us because she knew we would not agree to it. When Bryan found out, we didn't know whether to be mad or give her a hug. It was one of the most sweetest, generous acts I have ever been on the receiving end of. To know that someone cared that much about us as a family that they would sacrifice their time for no benefit of their own was beyond words of appreciation. I also was able to be a part of a group of people who watched out for each other. Everyone was so nice and would offer food and drinks to everyone there. It really was a great experience minus the lack of sleep. These last couple of days showed me just how much I am thankful to be a part of a team. I am not just talking about a sports team. I am talking about a team of people who pay it forward. I have a team of parents, friends and family members who have my back. They pick my kids up. They feed them. They cry with me when I hurt for one of my kids. They rejoice with me in my triumphs and lift me up when I am defeated. Most of them share the same family values and serve the same God I do.
There are those who think this is insane and that we come across as a bunch of crazed sports parents. What's funny is that I didn't see any parent out there whose kid was not smiling or who was kicking and screaming saying they didn't want to play. I can say that I have never forced my kids to play anything. Although, deep down I do wish I could make them both still play baseball. I do encourage them to stay active because there are many health benefits to it. I do push them because naturally they probably would rather sit in the air-conditioned house and play video games all day. I also push them because you need people in your life that raise your standards and make you want to achieve higher goals. I personally like the commitment and dedication that most extra curricular activities teach. I admire the die hard runners who get up at the crack of dawn and run the Fred Hartman bridge. I respect the agricultural students who feed their animals mulitple times a day and go to shows. I am in awe of the kids who have a study book in their hand at all times and fit every advanced class in their schedules. Most of all, I commend the parents of these kids. I commend the parents who are a part of whatever their kids choose to do. I commend the parents who drive all over town picking up school project materials, who stay up washing uniforms after a full day of work, who run a taxi service for kids needing rides, and who cheer as loud as they can for every kid. Go ahead and call us crazy! You are right on! I don't know if I could get everything done if I wasn't a little on the looney side. I am crazy about the Lord, my church family, my friends, my family, and my kids. (And most of all crazy about my man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Bryan sat down and added this line. He is crazy too!
I want to say thank you to all of the people in my life who love me for who I am. You may do some things that I think is nuts too but I will love you any way. Jesus only gave us two commandments. He told us to love the Lord with all of your heart, mind and soul and to love others as yourself. I am thankful for the love you have shown me and I hope that you know that I love you too.
Blessings to you from this crazy lady!
Saturday, March 30, 2013
I am redeemed..What Easter means to me
Bryan came home yesterday and put things into perspective for me. He talked about how during this time we are running around as usual and up to our daily routines. We are having a "normal" day but what is God wondering at this moment? Is he wondering why so many of us forget to acknowledge the significance of this time? This is a time that the Savior bore all of our sins and made the slate clean through his death on the cross. But He rose again to bring us life and life more abundantly. What a precious love story of a father who loves His children enough to send his only son to die for us. That is so humbling and so amazing that I can't even put it into words. It makes me remember what all God has brought me through, and that life is valuable and truly worth living. I don't always listen to Him and I find myself taking turns I should not have but He always brings me back and walks with me. I know He has a plan for my life.
I was born to teenage parents who probably were nervous about what their life would be like with a baby that they weren't mentally and emotionally ready for. Nevertheless, they raised me the best they could and never left me. I can honestly say that I wouldn't want any other parents. Though things didn't work out between them they always came together for my sake and always put me first. Even when I was in the womb, God already knew my name and knew right where to place me. There is a divine plan.
I had a grandmother who made me feel like I was the most special person on earth. I don't remember her ever really getting on to me except the time I stole some charms out of a Wiener's store and she made me go to the manager and turn them back in. She took me to church and planted seeds in my life. Fortunately, she got to see the harvest from those seeds she planted before she died knowing I am serving the Lord today. I have two grandmothers in heaven. Their passing was an amazing experience of reassurance in knowing that there is a place prepared for us and that one sweet day we will get to see it.
Working at Sears, I was able to meet the most special man in my life. I wanted to go off to school and become a news anchor. I like to say that when I married a Rhodes that it ruined my really cool last name made for TV. I no longer have that roll-off-the tongue last name like Elma Barrera anymore. I decided to stay local for school. Even though I didn't finish my great big plan, God gave me something amazing. I was at the right place at the right time and He gave me Bryan. We were both young and wanted the same things in life. But there was so much we did not know about God. But we had a hunger for more and a desire to seek His kingdom. The great thing is that we got to do it together and have been on the path ever since. I have gotten to see God take an extraordinary man and make him the most loving father and dedicated husband ever. God is good.
I have had my share of sickness with lupus flares and hospital visits over the years. It was during those times that I got to know God as healer. He got me out of bed when I wanted to lay there and cry. He gave my body strength to keep walking when every joint ached. I remember waking up one morning with my fingers all crooked and not even able to hold my coffee cup. He held me during those times and fought the battle for me when I was too weak to do it on my own. He touched my heart when I had bells palsy. He healed me on the inside when the outside looked like a mess. "He is my refuge and strength, ever present help in times of trouble." Psalm 46:1
Though I had some scares in my health I was able to deliver two crazy, wonderful boys. They have made me see so many God moments in watching them grow and raising them. I am able to see the parent/child relationship more clearly now that I have my own. Plus I had to learn to let go of them and give them to God confidently knowing that He loves them even more than I do. I have never prayed as hard as I do now that I am a mother. Those boys make me fight hell for them with prayers of power and authority. They are mine and I won't let the evils of this world have them. More importantly, I know they belong to God. That alone gives me comfort. I also get to watch Bryan with them and see just how a father loves his children. I am thankful for our Heavenly Father.
I give all these examples to remind myself of just what God has done for me in my life. As we celebrate this weekend, I am truly taken back. I am humbled that the God I know as creator, father and healer would also be my redeemer. Jesus' sacrifice was ordered and fulfilled and because of it we receive new life. We receive mercy and grace. Heaven knows I need all of those things. Each day my faith and character is challenged. Sometimes I screw it all up and I fall down. But I am always looking to the light which leads me back to where I belong. I look to the cross where my life was made new and I look to Jesus for my hope and salvation.
I pray that each one of you enjoys your families this weekend. I know you will all look great in your new Easter outfits and that the Easter bunny will bring your kids lots of goodies. By the way, since I have two boys I had to trade in baskets this year for academy bags. But take a moment to remember the significance of this time. If you are down right now, I pray that you know that there is a Healer and a Redeemer who lives and wants a relationship with you. It is not about religion, it is about love. This is the greatest love story of all. (Whitney Houston just came to mind) If you know me well, then you know I have a lot of imperfections and yet He still loves me. He didn't sacrifice himself just for me. He sacrificed for everyone! He loves you endlessly. Jesus lives and loves. Put your hope in Him and your future in His hands.
Happy Easter Everyone!
Hope
I was born to teenage parents who probably were nervous about what their life would be like with a baby that they weren't mentally and emotionally ready for. Nevertheless, they raised me the best they could and never left me. I can honestly say that I wouldn't want any other parents. Though things didn't work out between them they always came together for my sake and always put me first. Even when I was in the womb, God already knew my name and knew right where to place me. There is a divine plan.
I had a grandmother who made me feel like I was the most special person on earth. I don't remember her ever really getting on to me except the time I stole some charms out of a Wiener's store and she made me go to the manager and turn them back in. She took me to church and planted seeds in my life. Fortunately, she got to see the harvest from those seeds she planted before she died knowing I am serving the Lord today. I have two grandmothers in heaven. Their passing was an amazing experience of reassurance in knowing that there is a place prepared for us and that one sweet day we will get to see it.
Working at Sears, I was able to meet the most special man in my life. I wanted to go off to school and become a news anchor. I like to say that when I married a Rhodes that it ruined my really cool last name made for TV. I no longer have that roll-off-the tongue last name like Elma Barrera anymore. I decided to stay local for school. Even though I didn't finish my great big plan, God gave me something amazing. I was at the right place at the right time and He gave me Bryan. We were both young and wanted the same things in life. But there was so much we did not know about God. But we had a hunger for more and a desire to seek His kingdom. The great thing is that we got to do it together and have been on the path ever since. I have gotten to see God take an extraordinary man and make him the most loving father and dedicated husband ever. God is good.
I have had my share of sickness with lupus flares and hospital visits over the years. It was during those times that I got to know God as healer. He got me out of bed when I wanted to lay there and cry. He gave my body strength to keep walking when every joint ached. I remember waking up one morning with my fingers all crooked and not even able to hold my coffee cup. He held me during those times and fought the battle for me when I was too weak to do it on my own. He touched my heart when I had bells palsy. He healed me on the inside when the outside looked like a mess. "He is my refuge and strength, ever present help in times of trouble." Psalm 46:1
Though I had some scares in my health I was able to deliver two crazy, wonderful boys. They have made me see so many God moments in watching them grow and raising them. I am able to see the parent/child relationship more clearly now that I have my own. Plus I had to learn to let go of them and give them to God confidently knowing that He loves them even more than I do. I have never prayed as hard as I do now that I am a mother. Those boys make me fight hell for them with prayers of power and authority. They are mine and I won't let the evils of this world have them. More importantly, I know they belong to God. That alone gives me comfort. I also get to watch Bryan with them and see just how a father loves his children. I am thankful for our Heavenly Father.
I give all these examples to remind myself of just what God has done for me in my life. As we celebrate this weekend, I am truly taken back. I am humbled that the God I know as creator, father and healer would also be my redeemer. Jesus' sacrifice was ordered and fulfilled and because of it we receive new life. We receive mercy and grace. Heaven knows I need all of those things. Each day my faith and character is challenged. Sometimes I screw it all up and I fall down. But I am always looking to the light which leads me back to where I belong. I look to the cross where my life was made new and I look to Jesus for my hope and salvation.
I pray that each one of you enjoys your families this weekend. I know you will all look great in your new Easter outfits and that the Easter bunny will bring your kids lots of goodies. By the way, since I have two boys I had to trade in baskets this year for academy bags. But take a moment to remember the significance of this time. If you are down right now, I pray that you know that there is a Healer and a Redeemer who lives and wants a relationship with you. It is not about religion, it is about love. This is the greatest love story of all. (Whitney Houston just came to mind) If you know me well, then you know I have a lot of imperfections and yet He still loves me. He didn't sacrifice himself just for me. He sacrificed for everyone! He loves you endlessly. Jesus lives and loves. Put your hope in Him and your future in His hands.
Happy Easter Everyone!
Hope
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Be Intentional
March is always a special but oh so crazy month at the Rhodes house. Spring is definitely in the air and our allergies are all flared up. Basketball is still going on for the all star season. Both boys have birthdays this month. Bo is on the 22nd and Christian is on the 23rd. Yes, they are one day apart with 4 years in between. I am always reminded close to their birthdays of how blessed I am to have those two special boys in my life. Even though it is a hectic month, I still love feeling the warmth of the March sun and seeing the plants starting to bloom. I love the smell of freshly cut grass and I like seeing people starting to come outside in the neighborhood and out of their winter slumbers. What can I say? I am a sunshine girl!
Though Spring makes me happy and I sound all fuzzy and warm, I can say that I have been a little overwhelmed. Do you ever feel like you are being pulled in all different directions, like there is not enough time in the day? Do you ever feel like you just can't get enough rest? Even when you go to sleep, you feel like your mind is racing. Do you ever feel like you just can't keep up? Yes I know the scripture that says to not be anxious about anything but in to be in prayer and petition. But I don't always follow it. I feel all of these crazy emotions at times and then I go through the different stages of being mad, being sad, feeling sorry for myself, being resentful of everything that demands my time. The good thing is that after I have my day of pouting as a toddler would and singing poor pitiful me, the Lord puts me in check. Man, He is good! Something will hit me like a baseball to the shin and I will pick myself up, wipe my eyes, put on my praise music and make a change. The change is not always instant but it is intentional.
One of my top prayers all of my life has been that I want to encourage people. I want to speak words that build up people and bring life to them. I fail so often to do this. I was thinking today about how many times I say I will pray for someone and I will but then I forget to check up on them. Or I tell myself that I need to do the little things that make people smile, like send a note or buy a small gift. I will write it down on a sticky note and then it ends up at the bottom of my purse. I also love to write cards and notes to people. Sadly, with all of the new technology I think hand writing a note has become a thing of the past. I keep notes at my desk at work so that I will remember to write someone a note as the Lord lays them on my heart. I noticed that those cards have sat there for a few weeks and I couldn't bring myself to write one. I told myself I was going to intentionally write one today for someone who had done something that touched my heart recently. I wrote that card and felt so much better afterwards. Let's be honest, has any one of us ever felt miserable after doing something nice for someone?
As Christians, we all know that we reap what we sow. If you want friendship you sow seeds of friendship. If you need encouragement, you sow seeds of encouragement. These things should come from the heart and should seem effortless. But sometimes when life gets in the way and the things of the world hold us back, we must be intentional. It is just like working out. Some days you just want to lay on the couch and eat a bag of chips or cookies or a gallon of ice cream. But you make yourself get your cool looking tennis shoes on and go to the track anyway. After a while, that workout becomes part of your weekly routine. If you stay committed and dedicated you will eventually see good results. Doing the right thing is not always easy especially when it involves people and relationships. Sometimes you just want to chunk the deuce at the world and then go wallow up in some corner by yourself. But you have to intentionally get up, walk in faith and see the world with Jesus' eyes and feel its heartbeat with hands of compassion and love.
I know there are days that I am not easy to get along with. Most days I am smiling but there are those days where that smile has to be painted on in order for it to stick. I see the glass as half full but some days I wish that glass was full of Jose Cuervo. Not really, because tequila and I have never been friends. There are days when I am self-centered and I am not showing the love of Christ. But I know that I am intentionally working on those areas and I will continue to give myself to the only One who can change me from the inside out. Today, I encourage you to be a blessing to someone even when you feel like you have nothing left to give them. Be a light in world full of darkness. You never know who you will unintentionally touch when you intentionally seek to be like the One who created you.
Blessings to you all!
Hope
Though Spring makes me happy and I sound all fuzzy and warm, I can say that I have been a little overwhelmed. Do you ever feel like you are being pulled in all different directions, like there is not enough time in the day? Do you ever feel like you just can't get enough rest? Even when you go to sleep, you feel like your mind is racing. Do you ever feel like you just can't keep up? Yes I know the scripture that says to not be anxious about anything but in to be in prayer and petition. But I don't always follow it. I feel all of these crazy emotions at times and then I go through the different stages of being mad, being sad, feeling sorry for myself, being resentful of everything that demands my time. The good thing is that after I have my day of pouting as a toddler would and singing poor pitiful me, the Lord puts me in check. Man, He is good! Something will hit me like a baseball to the shin and I will pick myself up, wipe my eyes, put on my praise music and make a change. The change is not always instant but it is intentional.
One of my top prayers all of my life has been that I want to encourage people. I want to speak words that build up people and bring life to them. I fail so often to do this. I was thinking today about how many times I say I will pray for someone and I will but then I forget to check up on them. Or I tell myself that I need to do the little things that make people smile, like send a note or buy a small gift. I will write it down on a sticky note and then it ends up at the bottom of my purse. I also love to write cards and notes to people. Sadly, with all of the new technology I think hand writing a note has become a thing of the past. I keep notes at my desk at work so that I will remember to write someone a note as the Lord lays them on my heart. I noticed that those cards have sat there for a few weeks and I couldn't bring myself to write one. I told myself I was going to intentionally write one today for someone who had done something that touched my heart recently. I wrote that card and felt so much better afterwards. Let's be honest, has any one of us ever felt miserable after doing something nice for someone?
As Christians, we all know that we reap what we sow. If you want friendship you sow seeds of friendship. If you need encouragement, you sow seeds of encouragement. These things should come from the heart and should seem effortless. But sometimes when life gets in the way and the things of the world hold us back, we must be intentional. It is just like working out. Some days you just want to lay on the couch and eat a bag of chips or cookies or a gallon of ice cream. But you make yourself get your cool looking tennis shoes on and go to the track anyway. After a while, that workout becomes part of your weekly routine. If you stay committed and dedicated you will eventually see good results. Doing the right thing is not always easy especially when it involves people and relationships. Sometimes you just want to chunk the deuce at the world and then go wallow up in some corner by yourself. But you have to intentionally get up, walk in faith and see the world with Jesus' eyes and feel its heartbeat with hands of compassion and love.
I know there are days that I am not easy to get along with. Most days I am smiling but there are those days where that smile has to be painted on in order for it to stick. I see the glass as half full but some days I wish that glass was full of Jose Cuervo. Not really, because tequila and I have never been friends. There are days when I am self-centered and I am not showing the love of Christ. But I know that I am intentionally working on those areas and I will continue to give myself to the only One who can change me from the inside out. Today, I encourage you to be a blessing to someone even when you feel like you have nothing left to give them. Be a light in world full of darkness. You never know who you will unintentionally touch when you intentionally seek to be like the One who created you.
Blessings to you all!
Hope
Sunday, February 24, 2013
It just takes one moment!
I really love how the Lord speaks to me through my kids. Being a mom has helped me get a glimpse of just how the Father loves us. Even though I can't even begin to imagine that His love for me is even greater than the love I have for my boys, I know that it is true.
This has been a long, exhausting and emotional week. We finished regular season basketball. We have played many sports along the years and we have learned something each year. This season made for some great moments as we watched kids who have played since they were in Peewees play their last Little Dribblers games before entering Jr. High. The last game was a bit of a tear jerker for Bryan realizing that it would be the last time he coached Christian in any sport. Even though we still have Bo, something just hit hard knowing that Christian is getting older and moving on to new adventures.
I can talk about a lot of outstanding moments this season such as when Christian got the ball stolen from him by one of our former players who is half the size of Christian. Even I had to give "Smiley" props for taking that ball with confidence. I also loved watching Christian go against one of his really good friends and seeing the respect they had for each other on the court. I liked getting the hug yesterday from one of our parents who said thank you for being a part of their lives the past two seasons. I smiled when we went to eat with Bo at school and one of our players told his mom that he wanted to sit by Coach Bryan. It was heart warming to see a kid who is a bit shy talk Coach Bryan's ear off at a game because they had developed a close relationship with him. I was thankful for one of my fellow basketball moms coming to help me clean my son's bloody nose all while playing her team.
But there was a moment yesterday that took my breath away. And I relived it again this morning when Christian asked me a question. As we were getting our behinds handed to us in yesterday's championship game, I watched my puffy-eyed son lay his heart out on the court. It wasn't his best game but it was all he had at that moment. Seeing the defeat in his eyes and us being down by 20, Bryan pulled him off the court in the last minute of the game. In that moment, I heard a crowd cheer for my son as he went to the bench and put his head in his lap and was brought to tears. This morning Christian asked me if the crowd cheered because they were glad his team was going to lose. My heart sank as I explained to him that in no way were they cheering for that reason. I said "They were clapping for you because they believe in you." I realized in that moment that I didn't need to say anything about him, he spoke for himself.
I saw God's love fill a room and fill my heart. How many times do we want to win that trophy or have that moment of glory? And sometimes it is in the times of defeat that we shine the most. God doesn't love us based on our performance, He loves us because we were created in His image. We are His children. We are the "apple of His eye." Sometimes we don't understand why things happen the way that they do. We don't understand why we weren't 1st or why we have to deal with sickness or why we aren't in a certain place we want to be. But God knows where we are at and He is the answer to all things. He claps when no one else seems to. He smiles when you think everyone else is frowning. In those moments when you think every person and every circumstance is against you, just look up and accept the love that the Father has for you.
I don't know if Christian will really grasp what that moment meant. But that moment was bigger than a trophy. (Don't tell Bryan I said that because he probably still wants the trophy) God lifts us up even when we feel we are at our lowest point. So thankful I have a Heavenly Father who I can always look up to! I pray that today in whatever you are going through that you know that the Father loves you and cares for you. He hears every prayer and He is present in every moment of your life. Seek Him first always. He will show you things that will knock your socks off and He will lift you higher than you could ever go on your own.
Wishing you many blessings!
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
This has been a long, exhausting and emotional week. We finished regular season basketball. We have played many sports along the years and we have learned something each year. This season made for some great moments as we watched kids who have played since they were in Peewees play their last Little Dribblers games before entering Jr. High. The last game was a bit of a tear jerker for Bryan realizing that it would be the last time he coached Christian in any sport. Even though we still have Bo, something just hit hard knowing that Christian is getting older and moving on to new adventures.
I can talk about a lot of outstanding moments this season such as when Christian got the ball stolen from him by one of our former players who is half the size of Christian. Even I had to give "Smiley" props for taking that ball with confidence. I also loved watching Christian go against one of his really good friends and seeing the respect they had for each other on the court. I liked getting the hug yesterday from one of our parents who said thank you for being a part of their lives the past two seasons. I smiled when we went to eat with Bo at school and one of our players told his mom that he wanted to sit by Coach Bryan. It was heart warming to see a kid who is a bit shy talk Coach Bryan's ear off at a game because they had developed a close relationship with him. I was thankful for one of my fellow basketball moms coming to help me clean my son's bloody nose all while playing her team.
But there was a moment yesterday that took my breath away. And I relived it again this morning when Christian asked me a question. As we were getting our behinds handed to us in yesterday's championship game, I watched my puffy-eyed son lay his heart out on the court. It wasn't his best game but it was all he had at that moment. Seeing the defeat in his eyes and us being down by 20, Bryan pulled him off the court in the last minute of the game. In that moment, I heard a crowd cheer for my son as he went to the bench and put his head in his lap and was brought to tears. This morning Christian asked me if the crowd cheered because they were glad his team was going to lose. My heart sank as I explained to him that in no way were they cheering for that reason. I said "They were clapping for you because they believe in you." I realized in that moment that I didn't need to say anything about him, he spoke for himself.
I saw God's love fill a room and fill my heart. How many times do we want to win that trophy or have that moment of glory? And sometimes it is in the times of defeat that we shine the most. God doesn't love us based on our performance, He loves us because we were created in His image. We are His children. We are the "apple of His eye." Sometimes we don't understand why things happen the way that they do. We don't understand why we weren't 1st or why we have to deal with sickness or why we aren't in a certain place we want to be. But God knows where we are at and He is the answer to all things. He claps when no one else seems to. He smiles when you think everyone else is frowning. In those moments when you think every person and every circumstance is against you, just look up and accept the love that the Father has for you.
I don't know if Christian will really grasp what that moment meant. But that moment was bigger than a trophy. (Don't tell Bryan I said that because he probably still wants the trophy) God lifts us up even when we feel we are at our lowest point. So thankful I have a Heavenly Father who I can always look up to! I pray that today in whatever you are going through that you know that the Father loves you and cares for you. He hears every prayer and He is present in every moment of your life. Seek Him first always. He will show you things that will knock your socks off and He will lift you higher than you could ever go on your own.
Wishing you many blessings!
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Thank You
Thank you. These are two simple words in the English language but they can mean so much and are not used enough in my opinion. This goes back to simple manners 101. As a child I was taught to say please and thank you. I remember when my kids were little I was always reminding them to say thank you when someone gave them a piece of candy. I also remember refusing to let them have one when they were in one of their defiant moods and wouldn't say it. I find it very disheartening that we don't say thank you enough. I teach my boys to open doors for people at restaurants. And though I teach them to never expect a thank you, I see how many people walk passed them and never acknowledge them. We send our kids to school everyday and there are teachers there that teach them and care for them all day and though they are paid to do it don't get compensated for the extra stuff they do for them. I have had teachers come to watch my kids play and they will never know how much that meant to me. I am pretty sure I said thank you but I don't know if I did it enough.
I get my kids involved in sports and other extra curricular activities and I forget that it takes a lot of people to run such organizations. There are those who believe that some people do those sorts of things for the recognition. But I can tell you from experience, it would be easier to pick something else to do for recognition because running leagues and events is way too complicated if you are in it just looking for praise. Most people will come and go and never say they appreciate you but you do it anyway. Sow thankfulness and you will reap it as well. As a small business owner, I know that it is important to tell your employees and customers thank you. We could not make it if it were not for them. Do employers tell their employees enough how thankful they are for them? In the same respect, do you tell your employer how thankful you are to work where you work and how thankful you are to have a job?
There are men and women who serve and fight for our freedom each and every day. There are law enforcement officers and emergency personnel who are making sure we are safe. I know I don't tell them enough how much I am grateful for their service and what they do for my family and community. More than anyone, we probably take our own families for granted. We see them usually every day and become complacent in our relationships with them. I have a very helpful husband who works hard and takes care of me. He needs to hear me say thank you more often than I probably do. Plus my kids need to see that exemplified through our marriage. My two boys need to hear how thankful I am that the Lord gave them to me and how proud I am to be their mother. As parents, we can't say that enough.
Why have we let those two words slip by so easily? Let them be part of your daily language. The bible encourages us to be thankful. You will be amazed at how much you will personally benefit from telling others thank you. Sometimes it is the smallest things that have a huge impact on you but you need to take it a step further and say thank you to the person who made it all happen.
I recently had my 35th birthday and I was very touched by some special friends of mine. I got a card from my coworkers saying the sweetest things that made me tear up. A good friend of mine made me a running shirt that displayed everything that is important to me in my life. There was so much thought that went into that shirt. Another friend of mine put a personal play list together of every song I sing around the office and ones I like to dance to. I feel so humbled by their thoughtfulness!
As cheesy as you may all think this is, I want to take time to write down a few things that I am thankful for. I am thankful that I am saved and that God loves me and has a plan for me. I am thankful for my amazing parents who think I am all that even when I am not. I am thankful for friends who make me laugh, who love my kids, who tell me when I have pepper in my teeth, who defend me even when I am being big baby. I am thankful for a job that is secure and one that has brought some special people into my life. I am thankful for good health. Despite being labeled as a lupus patient, I am labeled a child of the Most High! I am thankful for the people who do the jobs no one else wants to do. I am thankful for teachers, pastors, police officers, the military, construction workers,coaches, and child care givers. I am thankful for a husband who tells me I am beautiful every day. I am thankful for two boys who remind me that body noises are still funny and who remind me to have child-like faith. I am just thankful. Boy I feel like it should be Thanksgiving!
I know there is not much depth to this post but this is what is on my heart. I just want to remind everyone that being thankful can do your heart so good. It will invade your spirit in a way that just makes you smile. We can only complain so much. There is much more to be thankful for. Do not let two little words escape your vocabulary. Those two little words can make the biggest difference. Teach those words to your kids and shout them from the roof tops.
God Bless & THANK YOU for reading this post!
Hope
Psalm 107:1"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." (NIV)
I get my kids involved in sports and other extra curricular activities and I forget that it takes a lot of people to run such organizations. There are those who believe that some people do those sorts of things for the recognition. But I can tell you from experience, it would be easier to pick something else to do for recognition because running leagues and events is way too complicated if you are in it just looking for praise. Most people will come and go and never say they appreciate you but you do it anyway. Sow thankfulness and you will reap it as well. As a small business owner, I know that it is important to tell your employees and customers thank you. We could not make it if it were not for them. Do employers tell their employees enough how thankful they are for them? In the same respect, do you tell your employer how thankful you are to work where you work and how thankful you are to have a job?
There are men and women who serve and fight for our freedom each and every day. There are law enforcement officers and emergency personnel who are making sure we are safe. I know I don't tell them enough how much I am grateful for their service and what they do for my family and community. More than anyone, we probably take our own families for granted. We see them usually every day and become complacent in our relationships with them. I have a very helpful husband who works hard and takes care of me. He needs to hear me say thank you more often than I probably do. Plus my kids need to see that exemplified through our marriage. My two boys need to hear how thankful I am that the Lord gave them to me and how proud I am to be their mother. As parents, we can't say that enough.
Why have we let those two words slip by so easily? Let them be part of your daily language. The bible encourages us to be thankful. You will be amazed at how much you will personally benefit from telling others thank you. Sometimes it is the smallest things that have a huge impact on you but you need to take it a step further and say thank you to the person who made it all happen.
I recently had my 35th birthday and I was very touched by some special friends of mine. I got a card from my coworkers saying the sweetest things that made me tear up. A good friend of mine made me a running shirt that displayed everything that is important to me in my life. There was so much thought that went into that shirt. Another friend of mine put a personal play list together of every song I sing around the office and ones I like to dance to. I feel so humbled by their thoughtfulness!
As cheesy as you may all think this is, I want to take time to write down a few things that I am thankful for. I am thankful that I am saved and that God loves me and has a plan for me. I am thankful for my amazing parents who think I am all that even when I am not. I am thankful for friends who make me laugh, who love my kids, who tell me when I have pepper in my teeth, who defend me even when I am being big baby. I am thankful for a job that is secure and one that has brought some special people into my life. I am thankful for good health. Despite being labeled as a lupus patient, I am labeled a child of the Most High! I am thankful for the people who do the jobs no one else wants to do. I am thankful for teachers, pastors, police officers, the military, construction workers,coaches, and child care givers. I am thankful for a husband who tells me I am beautiful every day. I am thankful for two boys who remind me that body noises are still funny and who remind me to have child-like faith. I am just thankful. Boy I feel like it should be Thanksgiving!
I know there is not much depth to this post but this is what is on my heart. I just want to remind everyone that being thankful can do your heart so good. It will invade your spirit in a way that just makes you smile. We can only complain so much. There is much more to be thankful for. Do not let two little words escape your vocabulary. Those two little words can make the biggest difference. Teach those words to your kids and shout them from the roof tops.
God Bless & THANK YOU for reading this post!
Hope
Psalm 107:1"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." (NIV)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)