Wednesday, May 28, 2014

the flaw list

I don't like my legs.
I hate cleaning the shower.
I'm embaressed by the stains on my carpet and the ceiling fan in my family room.
I often lack self-discipline when it comes to snacks at night.
I've been known to raise my voice at my kids.
I forget important events (birthdays, anniversaries, etc).
My sarcasm gets me in trouble, sometimes.
I could be more disciplined in daily devotions.

My list of flaws is 25 pages long, single-spaced with the widest margins possible. Maybe even 26 pages!

It is not fun to look over yourself and examine all your flaws. Some are evident every time I look in a mirror. Others show up as I walk around the house. It can be a bit depressing to focus on the negative parts of ourselves. 

But there are two things that keep me from sinking:

1. I am not alone. I guarantee that you will never meet a woman who thinks she has it all together or is absolutely perfect. If she thinks she does or is, she is mistaken. Every woman is struggling with something. It might even be the same thing as you. Whatever the case, you are not alone. I am not alone.

2. I find hope in knowing that I can work on and change many of my flaws. Not all at once, but little by little. And I'm not doing that alone, either. I have made many changes and have grown immensely because God was right next to me giving me strength and determination to go in the right direction. 

I opened up Pinterest  this evening and immediately found these quotes:
Ah, truth.

KC

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

puddle on the stairs (not that kind of puddle)

When my daughter moves out of this house (which I used to look forward to but now am extremely saddened by the whole idea but that's another blog) there is at least one lesson (hopefully a whole lot more than that) that will be stuck in her mind, heart, and soul because of the frequency of the lesson.

What it truly means to say, "I'm sorry."

This morning I got to workin' on a project. It involved moving some furniture around and cleaning some stuff out. Not exciting, but the kids were planning on helping me because they were excited for the change. About a half hour into it, my daughter starts in with, "I'm booooooored..." 

Now, mind you, it had taken all my mental capacity to get started on this project because I rather felt like sitting on my rear all day. But I was doing it, maintaining my sanity as I worked. But when the, "I'm boooooooored..." came along and was relentless, there went my sanity, jumping completely off the bridge. 

I'm going to be honest right here and tell you about this relentlessness and what it brings out of me, not because I'm proud of it, but because...well, I don't think I'm the only one who struggles here. 

It starts with, "I'm booooooored..." as my daughter drags herself into the room I'm "projecting" in. She repeats herself, following me everywhere I go and eventually lays herself on the floor in a puddle, exclaiming, "There's nothing to do heeerrrrrrrrrrrre..." Which is just silly because at this point she is surrounded by toys.

I start with simple suggestions but I don't have a lot of patience right now because I'm "projecting." So them I start in with the "not fun" suggestions: do some laundry for me, clean your room, scrub some toilets. And there are constant negative, moany, sulky responses from my puddle of a daughter. So finally I tell her to get away from me because I can't deal with her complaining. I send her to her room. 

Now this is where I think I would laugh if I wasn't so irritated. Telling my daughter to go to her room is like trying to get a cat in a travel box to see the vet. Not even joking a little. In my house we have double stairs which essentially means you can go halfway up from the kitchen and then go back down ending up in the entryway. Imagine the fun! 

So I am chasing her up and around the stairs and around the kitchen table. (Yes, chasing my nearly 9 year old daughter. Feel free to criticize, but only in your head because I've already criticized myself out loud!) She knows I'm faster and stronger and that she's going to lose because I can take the stairs two at a time. But she doesn't care, she's makin' a run for it. I eventually grab her arm and lead her up the stairs. She finally goes into her room and decides not to come out (probably because I wasn't saying anything nice during the chase scene). She's in there on her own for probably 30-40 minutes. 

When she finally comes downstairs, she's very somber and apologizes. I know she's sorry for how she acted. I forgive her and apologize for getting so upset. And we chat about how some days of summer break are going to be fun, and sometimes we'll have friends over, but some days might be a bit boring and then she just needs to use her creativity and imagination to find something to do. She looks at me knowingly. I'm not telling her anything she doesn't already know.

All of that to get to this: 20 minutes later, she was lying on the stairs saying, "I'm boooooooored..." 

AUGH!!!!!

I looked at her and asked, "Do you really want to go through this again?!"

And then the portion of the conversation that we have frequently: saying you're sorry does not just mean that you are remorseful for the behavior that you just had. It means that you are also going to try your hardest not to repeat it in the future. Now, granted, we all fail at this frequently but I certainly am going to try to teach my kids that a repentant heart is a changed heart. 

The "Jayne puddle" on the stairs didn't last as long this time and I did make pretty good headway on my project. I even found my sanity back, eventually. But tomorrow....

KC

Monday, May 26, 2014

money, boats, and being human

My human side came out today. (How this is different from any other day, I'm not sure...) I pulled out of the SaveMart parking lot right behind a really nice boat (being towed by a really nice truck, of course). I thought about how nice it would be to have our own boat. And then I thought about how nice it would be to have enough money to walk into a place like the Bass Pro Shop and tell the guys there exactly which brand new boat I wanted. And then I thought about how nice it would be to have enough money to get whatever I wanted whenever I wanted and to not have to stress about finances. Ever. 

I constantly fight that human side. The side of me that wants more and is not content with what I've got. The side of me that gets tired of watching every dollar that gets spent. The side of me that believes that money can buy happiness! 


So then I have to step back and look at all that I do have (and I'm not just talking material goods, here, people). When I look around at my blessings, then I begin to see how wealthy I truly am.

- A husband who loves me and encourages me to grow and respects who I am
- Healthy kids who make me smile everyday and fill my heart with mad amounts of love
- music, all the time, all through this house
- a home to entertain in and build relationship and friendships in
- talents, gifts, abilities in each of us
- and we do have a lot of "things" but this quote pretty much explains the value of "things":


So, yeah, "stuff" is fun. But "stuff" does not contain the value that "joy" or "peace" or "love" contain; the best gifts from God. But I need to be reminded of that EVERY day. 

However, if I ever do get a boat, I'll take each of you out for a ride!

KC

Saturday, May 24, 2014

friend

You ever know someone so amazing that you wonder why they would want to be your friend? 

When I was in 5th grade, I met that person. After years of being a shy little loner, someone actually wanted to be my friend. (To this day I'm not sure why she sought me out but she changed my life by doing so.)

As I look back through the years we have had together, I see so many instances that revealed her maturity and wisdom that far surpassed me. Even when I was a pain in the butt she handled me with grace. She made choices and set examples that I have looked to my entire life so far. Her words have been pressed into my heart, even when she didn't know she was doing so. She shaped me and is still doing so to this day.

She met a married a man who lives on the same page she does. I watch them together make sacrifices that I doubt anyone else has the capability to do so. I know I don't. It would be easy to feel inferior but their humility makes that impossible. They never cease to amaze.

Today is her birthday. There is nothing I can do or buy to show her how much she means to me. But I am trying to pay it forward. You see my daughter is not like "shy little me". She is outgoing and friendly and likes people. My desire is for her to be what Sarah was to me. A lifesaver. So I encourage her to reach out to anyone who needs a friend. And not to judge any book by its cover. I don't expect that she will always make the right choice, but it is my hope that she might be an encourager and maybe make the difference in another child's life. 

My life was forever changed by my Sarah. And it still is through her example on a daily basis.

KC

Friday, May 23, 2014

a group of insecurities

I went to a late movie tonight with a fantastic little group of gals . We laughed so much, I'm quite certain our abs will be sore tomorrow (or rather later today as I am writing this blog reeeeeeally late). The movie was funny but not quite as hilarious as our conversations!

But you know what was the best? Our serious conversation after we had laughed our tails off, where we unintentially got into a conversation about our insecurities. (Seriously, in this conversation alone we came up with about 8 different completely relatable blog topics.) 

And you know what the gals revealed to me? Perhaps one of the most important things that we as women, wives, and mothers need to realize: we are not alone in our insecurities. We might have different things that we worry about, but I'm quite certain that each woman you meet struggles with an insecurity in one way or another.

You know how we figured that out? By talking about it. By being real and honest. We created our own little trust circle and shared our hearts. And then realized: we are all insecure. 

Doesn't that make you feel better? You know that perfect mom at school who dresses to a T and always bring a the best goodie bags to the party? She's insecure about something. And that mom who drives a really nice car and has perfectly behaving children? Chances are she's got some hidden insecurities also. 

You are not alone in this. Even if you never chat with any other woman who is willing to reveal her insecurities with you, know this: I am insecure. I lack confidence. I have very apparent weaknesses. Some days I feel like I can't do anything right. Sometimes I doubt myself. You are not alone. I'm right there with you.

KC



 And for my gals tonight: shimmy and woo-woo!

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

taking a break

Today I finished up this school year's piano lessons. In a couple weeks I'll start up with my summer schedule. But for now, I'm taking a break. And although I love each one of my students dearly, I am ready for a little time off!

Every once in a while my husband takes a mental health day from work. A day to give his mind a break from the job. Even if you are really good at your job and love it, a break can be a good thing.

Once in a while, I take a break from being a mom, sorta. (You never really take a break from being a mom, though, do ya? Even when you aren't with the squirts, they are still on your mind and heart!) I do, however, go away for a couple of days and think mostly about myself and the friends I am with rather than the responsibilities that are at home. Do you know how nice it is to think about feeding just myself, when I want, and what I want?! 

There are some great things about getting away from the routine of every day life. All the things you get to do or don't have to do. Enjoying things you don't normally get to do. Seeing people you don't see very often, or taking a break from people you see too regularly! 

One of the best advantages of a break is coming back to reality, the daily routine, with a refreshed and renewed spirit. Being ready to take on the challenges again and getting back into the swing of things.

Even Jesus took a rest. Mark 6:31 says this:
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

Now, I'm not so sure He, himself needed to rest, but He gave His disciples the chance to take a break. And that is a good enough example for me to follow!

So, tell me, where are we going on our next "break?" 😄

KC

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

touch

This evening I heard my son moaning from his bed. I went to check on him and he was complaining about one of his legs hurting. He experiences growing pains in his legs every once in a while. So I sat on his bed, pulled his leg onto my lap and started to gently rub the pain away. He quickly fell asleep.

As I sat there rubbing his soft little leg, I thought about the power and the value of touch. Touch gives comfort, it creates trust and brings about connection. It strengthens relationships and builds friendships.  Think of the hugs and handshakes, the high fives and hand holding. Each of those touches meant something between you and another person.

My Pa (Dad) and I had a very special relationship. I was his little girl till the day he went to heaven. Even at 28 years old, I was not ashamed to hold his hand while walking in a public place. I didn't care what anyone thought; he was my Dad. We often walked arm in arm. While he was at his sickest in the hospital, I would rub his feet in the hopes that some of my health would be transferred to him. Touch: powerful.

While walking with my two kids I will often stick out both hands with the hopes that each one will grab one and hold it. My 5 year old never fails, but my 8 year old is definitely practicing her independence (that's nothing new). But that's okay because I go check on her in the morning and if she's sleeping, I secretly snuggle up to her till she wakes up! Touch: priceless.

My family, we hug. I make my brothers hug me even if they don't want to. I hug my Mom because Dad can't do it anymore. There are a couple of other folks around town who spouses have passed and they can count on me for a hug as well. Touch: valuable.

Jesus was constantly using the power of his touch to heal and forgive. He could have just spoke the word to heal, but He didn't. He touched them. 

His touch was the ultimate gift.

KC

Here's cutest part of my first story: after I sat and started rubbing my son's leg, he sat up for a moment and leaned over to kiss my cheek. Talk about a mother's heart melting!! 

Monday, May 19, 2014

a teacher's heart

Recently I received some devastating news. A teacher whom I love was not offered her contract after 25 years of teaching at the same school. I could say a lot of things about that because I have gone through a wide-range of emotions but I will choose instead to tell you a little about why she is one of the best teachers I know.

Her heart.

She truly loves her students. And I say "loves" because she still does. Every kid that comes into her classroom becomes her kid. Forever.

For me, as a parent, there is nothing more valuable. A teacher who loves my child will strive to do the best she can to meet their needs, to build up their strengths, to improve their weaknesses. A teacher who loves my child will look not only to help them academically, but socially, emotionally, and spiritually. A teacher who loves my child will be my child's advocate. 

A teacher's style, technique, classroom set up, and routines all become secondary when her heart is revealed. I understand that different people desire different aspects of education for their children. I might stand alone on this, but the one thing that I care most about is the development of my child's heart. A heart being taught to seek the Lord.

This particular teacher is why I went to college and became a teacher myself. She wasn't my teacher, in the academic sense, but she taught me many valuable lessons. I know I'm not the only one. I know that "her kids" could give you hundreds of reasons why they loved and still love this teacher. She changed lives, and I know there are parents who can attest to that. 

So my heart is saddened to think about the many kids who will not have the opportunity to be "her kids." What a loss.

(I know I often bring up teachers and their value on this blog but that's simply because a good teacher is worth her weight in gold, plus some! If your child's teacher was fantastic this year, be sure to tell them!)

KC

Sunday, May 18, 2014

trying

A long time ago my mom taught me how to cross stitch. A completed project is a very beautiful thing and a sign of a very patient and diligent person. A cross stitched creation given as a gift usually has hours and hours of work put into it. 

My projects, not so much! Most of mine were simple little things. I think I might have finished a couple of decent sized ones, but I always seemed to be drawn to the little projects, the quick ones.


(My first project: awwwwwww!)

One of my favorites that I rediscovered a while back was this:



Now let me just clarify and say that I have not done any Biblical research as to the definition of "saint." However, I think you get the idea and the sentiment that this little phrase is trying to portray.

Here's the deal for me: sometimes when I look back over my week (or the last 24 hours, even) my laundry list of "failures" and "things I stink at" is 10 feet long (size 12 font). I am so far from the worthiness of being called a child of God. Not only is my sinful nature evident in my actions, but in my heart and mind as well. I'm pretty sure God is shaking His head at me in disappointment quite frequently throughout the day. 

But! (This is the best part). I keep trying. The frustration of failure often makes me want to just give up. But I won't. I'll try better and harder next time. I'll cast out the mean thoughts and guard the words that come out of my mouth more carefully. I'll try to turn away from temptation and lean heavier on the Lord.

You know what stinks? There are people in this world who do seem perfect. Always making the right choice and saying the right words. But the fact is this: they aren't perfect, but they are trying.

Trying makes all the difference in the world. Trying shows the true direction of your heart.

KC

build up

I went to a birthday party this evening. There was fellowship. There was food. There were games. Good people. A great time!

But the best time this evening was when we were given the opportunity to share our hearts with the birthday gal. My goodness, the words were such a blessing; not only for the birthday girl but for the rest of us as well.

The Bible is full of verses telling us to build each other up:

 

-Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

Proverbs 12:25


-And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25


-Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Ephesians 4:29


-Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11


I hear so many people tear others down. Usually it's behind their back. How refreshing to be amongst a group of people whose desire was to build each other up.  


Feeling blessed.


KC


Friday, May 16, 2014

happy friday



I have been looking forward to today all week! It has just been too stinkin busy.  Currently I am sitting on the back patio with my husband, enjoying a breeze after a warm day. Lovely!

So what dozen things evoked happiness this week? Here goes:

1. Music. Anywhere. Anytime. (Almost) any kind.
2. Hot weather - I know many of you disagree but I greatly dislike the cold and welcome the warmth.
3. The humor of kids - some kids are so quick and clever with their humor. I love it!
4. Texting. I love the quick communication with a niece who is far away, or a sibling who needs some words of love, or a friend with a great sense of humor, or a simple heart-to-heart conversation through texted words, or the joy of maintaining long distance friendships. These to me are valuable.
5. Avocados
6. Okay, this week I subbed at the school where I went to school many moons ago. The best thing was recognizing the children by how much they looked like their parents that I went to school with many moons ago!  They are cute versions of their parents.
7. Barefeet

8. Longer, lighter, warmer evenings
9. A husband who rolls his eyes at me but will still do this with me:
10. The pink flamingo that lives in our backyard. 
11. Playing piano. This week I spent some time just for myself on the piano. Singing my own songs. Therapeutic.
12. This last one was a wonderful little surprise from my Mom. She saw this treasure and bought it for me. She knows me well.
It was a busy week, a chaotic week, an exhausting week, a good week.
KC

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

not my kids; yours!

You ever just look at your kids and wonder where in the world they came from? Oh come on, you know you've attributed certain characteristics of your child to your spouse! "That temper, just like his father!" "She gets that from you, you know!" "Just like her mother!" "Freckles, just like her Dad." "He gets his athletic ability from his Dad."

We even gone so far as to point to grandparents (but only good things, of course!) "He's got Grandpa's sense of humor." "Musical ability runs in the family." "That hair color must come from the grandparents!"


For those of you who know me or who have spent any time on this blog, you know that I have a strong-willed daughter. An amazing, strong-willed daughter. A strong-willed daughter who has pushed me to tears, to anger, to frustration. A strong-willed daughter whom I love with passion. I have had numerous people ask if she gets that from me or her father.

Good question. Not me!! I was a perfect child (just ask my mom), but my husband....

Just kidding! He was a good kid, probably with a bit more "personality" than me, a little more spunk, but not anything like our daughter. 

But one thing God revealed early on is this: Jayne is who she is because God created her that way. Despite the genes we had to offer, He went ahead and made her how He wanted her to be. I'd love to take credit for her beautiful voice or the waves in her hair. Her creativity and thoughtfulness must surely come from me.

But alas, I can't take any credit. Those are from God. He planned her, mixed her up, and poured her into our arms. And that passionate little girl is growing into something phenomenal, and she's growing me into something great too. 

I'm glad God puts our kids together because I'm pretty sure I'd mess it up good!!

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:13

KC


Tuesday, May 13, 2014

outside myself

I used to be shy. Super shy. Nervous, anxious, never talked to anybody, shy. I didn't know what to say to people or how to make conversation. I wasn't trying to be rude, I just struggled with being outgoing. I was an introvert; not on purpose, I just didn't know how to be anything else.

A lot has happened in my life to bring me around to being an extrovert. Big life experiences suddenly give you a hundred things to talk about: getting married, having kids, your job... Having supportive family members (parents, spouses) can really build your confidence. Discovering something unique about yourself or educating yourself in sometime interesting. These are all very helpful in creating an extrovert.

But there is one thing, one perspective that totally changed me: it was when I started looking outside myself and started caring more about the people around me. I started realizing that people were interesting and the best way to discover more about them was to ask them questions. Once I started putting others above myself, it made a world of difference. Now I can talk to just about anyone, even initiate a conversation with someone I don't know. And I enjoy it.

Galatians 5:21 - Honor God and put others first.
(It really doesn't get much simpler than that.)

KC

Monday, May 12, 2014

dragging...

This morning I woke up already feeling drained. That's never a good sign! I was tired and my emotions were getting the best of me before my feet even touched the floor. Unfortunately, being a Mom and wife and Manager of Household Affairs along with a part-time job doesn't allow for sleeping in. So after hitting snooze a couple of times I dragged my body out of bed and made my way to the bathroom sink to splash some cold water on my face. I put some Golden Oldies on Pandora and got moving.

Sometimes I can take my busy-ness and spread it out over the week, but not this week. My days are pretty much planned down to the minute. There was no "sitting down" time today. So what do you do when you are exhausted and unmotivated but don't get the luxury of resting? (I know I'm not the only one who deals with this from time to time!)

Well today my solution was very simple: music. I listened to upbeat songs as I straightened the house and did some laundry. I turned my radio on in the truck as I ran errands. Even during my least favorite chore, grocery shopping, I hummed a song that was in my head (although I must admit to being tempted to wear headphones while in the grocery store but I'm afraid I might start singing out loud or possibly start dancing...probably not a good idea).

I made it through this day wanting to nap, but with the help of my music I got it all done. By the end of the day, my mood had improved drastically. I said it before and I'll say it again: music is a gift!

KC

P.S. I'm curious: what music do you listen to when you are tryjng to get motivated? 

Sunday, May 11, 2014

peeking during prayer

This morning I attended a church where there were 4 infant baptisms. During the prayer time, I'll admit: I peeked. I always like to watch the babies during baptism or dedication. They are just so cute, and sometimes they are doing adorable baby stuff.

This morning, however, as I peeked, I was sidetracked by the pastor himself. I've never really witnessed a pastor pray in such a manner (maybe because I don't peek very often). He was gesturing, actively gesturing, using his hands to talk: very animated. I watched him have a conversation with God. It was a pretty awesome thing to watch. I will freely admit that I peeked during the other two prayers during the service as well. 

What a great reminder to me: God is real. He doesn't require anything fancy from us in order to talk to Him. I don't usually use eloquent words and I don't have a specific place or position where I pray. Sometimes it's while I'm walking around the house or driving in the truck. There are people who pray very genuine and heartfelt words and sound like they are reciting poetry. Sometimes my prayers are: "Lord, help me keep my stinkin' sanity today!" 

I honestly don't think there is a right way or wrong way to pray. But today I was reminded that prayer is real; a real conversation with a real God. 

KC

Friday, May 9, 2014

happy friday

I love Fridays. 

Here's a dozen things that I am happy about from this week:

1. Tri-tip: if you don't know what that is or are a vegetarian, I'm sorry. That is a sad thing.
2. Slushies: every Friday I pick the kids up from school and we get slushies from Sonic. The lady there knows us now...we are her "regulars."
3. Honesty: a friend who can give it and can take it.
4. High heels...I can't help it, I just do!
5. Making my son's day. Do you think I really wanted to do this?
6. Being able to make a friend laugh. Not just a little "ha!" but an out loud 10 second laugh.
7. Finding that one Pin on Pinterest that perfectly matches someone in your life.
8. Our cat's squeak. Sometimes I seek her out while she's napping just to hear her wake up and "squeak."
(Here she is ignoring me as usual)
9. Accomplished and proud piano students - I have a couple of students who have decided to share their talents in front of their classmates - this makes me so happy!!
10. Confidence - I love confident people. Someday I hope to be one.
11. Successful parenting moment - they don't happen very often but sometimes you look back at a situation with your kids and think, "Wow! I handled that like a champ!!"
12. New flowers in the yard - it feels fresh and clean and alive when the flowers are brand new.

KC


Thursday, May 8, 2014

investing in music

I know I often come back to this subject, but it's so valuable and so dear to my heart that I must. Plus, this is my blog and I get to write what I want. You don't have to read further, but I'm going to write anyway! 

Music. Of all the things you could invest into your children, music is one that will be present in their lives until they die. Even then, I'm pretty sure God's got a pretty good line up of musicians up in heaven for our listening pleasure. And I suppose that you could argue that there is no value in music for someone who is deaf.  But one of my awesome piano students is deaf so your argument is invalid. 

I don't know what music elicits in your mind, heart, body, and soul, but here's a quick, condensed list for me:

Joy
Memories
Running/Exercise (Yes, certain songs come on and I need to go for a jog!)
Tears
Dancing, often dancing (if this is against your beliefs, I apologize...a little)
Depth (often when listening to hymns)
Worship
Calmness
Connection (ever have a song that brings to mind one person every time you hear it?)
Release (stress often dissipates with music)
Dancing (oh wait...I said that already)

My kids want to play sports, or take horseback lessons, or gymnastics, or art classes. All these are wonderful. However, the one thing I will always insist on in their education is music. 

I want music in their souls. I want them to dance. I want them to sing. I want them to be filled with joy and good memories. But most of all, I want them to be able to worship God. He gives us so much. This is our gift to Him.

KC

gifts

Sometimes I am in awe of the people God has surrounded me with and that I have had the opportunity to meet. Amazing people with awesome gifts. People who sing with phenomenal talent, who bring goose bumps with their voices. People filled with wisdom. People with a great understanding of God's word and the confidence to share it. People not afraid to witness to a random stranger. People who write moving words. Gifted people.

You ever feel inconsequential around people like that? As if they are filled with gifts from God while you have the ability to clap during worship? They are leading thousands to the Lord while you hope to lead one. I know I do! 

I know I have been given a gift or two from the Lord. But sometimes those gifts seem so small, of hardly any use at all. I don't have vast amounts of scriptural knowledge. Shoot, I can't even memorize scripture anymore! I can carry a tune, but it is in the alto range so...not much use by itself! Ask me to pray out loud and I would opt for the Lord's Prayer all together! 

So what do I do with that? Sometimes I just want to minimize my gifts, they aren't that special after all. But you know what? That line of thinking is baloney. You know why? Because every gift is important. Otherwise God wouldn't have given it to you. We can't all be pastors or worship leaders. Some of us have to stand at the door and greet. Or clean up the church after the service. Or take care of the babes in nursery. 

1 Corinthians 12 discusses this very thing. We are all part of one body but this body has many members...each member has a function. If we do not perform our function, then we cannot work together as a whole. See? Even the little part is important!

Take pride in the gifts God has given to you, no matter the size. The fact is that you are a very important piece of the puzzle and it wouldn't be complete without you. 

KC

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

baby steps

I spent about 15 minutes with a mom today who often inspires me in my blogs. I'm not sure she realizes how great a mother she is, but I am often in awe of who she is striving to be. Today was no exception. In the short conversation we had, my "blog idea" light came on once again! So here goes:

You ever look around at your life and see all the things you want to change about it? 
I wish all my closets were organized.
If I could get a better routine for chores around here, things would go smoother.
I wish we had healthier food in this house.
If I could just sync my phone and get all my hundreds of pictures saved (surely, I'm not the only one!)
My consistency in discipline and teaching my children responsibilities certainly could use some work.
The 7 piles of important papers throughout the house would sure look lovelier as just one condensed pile.
Nevermind the 45 projects around the house: finish painting the den, sort and organize the playroom, get our landscaping going in the backyard, start putting up curtains,  (seriously, people, there are 45 projects - my husband will concur!)

Sometimes when you look at your to-do list, it can be so daunting! So much so, that you don't want to tackle it. So you don't and nothing changes. Or you try to tackle it all at once and you wear yourself out to the point of giving up!

But you know what? Doing something is better than nothing and slow and steady wins the race. In other words: baby steps. Start small! Don't tackle it all at once of it seems to overwhelming. 

When I look at the food that is on our house, I see a lot of changes that I want to make. But we started making changes a few years back and our pantry/fridge look so much better.

When I go to workout, I am usually not the fastest one. As a matter of fact, I'm often one of the slower ones. However, what I am doing in my workout regardless of the speed in which I do it, it's better than sitting on the couch!

So cut yourself a break. Start small and make little accomplishments. Little accomplishments add up and turn into major accomplishments...eventually!

KC

Monday, May 5, 2014

the power of a guilty conscience

So apparently my daughter's guilty conscience was working overtime this evening.  In a matter of 2 hours she has confessed approximately 10 different things to either my husband or me. 

Here are a few:
"I tell my friends that my Mom is mean." (no big surprise there!)
"I said the word 'idiot' today." (If that's the worst thing that comes out of her mouth, we are fortunate parents!
"One time while doing math, I accidentally stuck my middle finger up and the kid who sits across from me saw it." (Um, well, accidents happen! Try to be careful when you count!)

There were a few more, some that I know she would disapprove if I mentioned them so those will stay under the trusted Mom hat. However, all these confessions led up to a good lesson and reminder for her.

First of all, I explained the good news: the Holy Spirit was definitely living in her heart. He was the one who was telling her heart what was right and wrong. He was the one leading her to remorse and confession. Essentially, he was being her conscience. 

Secondly, I explained the even better news: all she had to do in order to erase her "dirty chalkboard list of wrong-doings" was to confess what she had done and to ask for forgiveness. I told her that I would help her but she decided to pray it all on her own. She cried with a broken heart as she asked God to forgive her for what she had done. And then continued to pray for the salvation of a friend. 

Wow! What an example of a truly contrite little heart. (Feeling smart because I used that word just right!) As I listened to her pray, it struck me that my little "please forgive my sins" at the end of my own prayers lacked the true emotion that this 8 year old was displaying for me. That true remorse, the deep down sorrow was lacking from my prayers. It was time for me to re-examine my prayer life.

It's amazing the things that God reveals through little children.

KC

Thursday, May 1, 2014

visits from heaven

Sometimes God gives you little glimpses of loved ones who are up in heaven with Him.

(My Dad - I called him "Pa" - passed on to heaven 7 years ago, the day after Easter.)

The other day I was writing a little note rather quickly. After I finished, I skimmed through it and for a second I saw my Dad's handwriting. I always thought I would have beautifully scripted handwriting like my Mom's. Afterall, I do have her hands. But nope. I write in more of a square-ish font, similar to that of my Pa.

I've got a few brothers. They all remind me of my Pa.

My oldest brother exhibits my Dad's mannerisms: in the way he stands, uses his hands when he talks, and waves. 

The brother after him has my Dad's hands. Almost literally (hmmm, not sure I'm using "literally" correctly here; you be the judge.) I mean that when I look at his hands, it's like looking at my Dad's hands. 

And the brother between him and me has my Dad's sense of humor. I love it when he tells a cheesy joke and can't contain how funny he thinks it is!

And then there's the random guy I see in a crowd who, for a second...just a second, I could swear was  my Dad. It was his hair or perhaps the way the guy was standing or how he was walking. Whatever it was, it brought me a flash of my Dad. (The first time that happened was very difficult because it was all very raw.)

A little over a year after my Dad passed away, our son was born. He bears my Dad's name as his middle name. I'm not completely sure, but I think God might have put a little bit of Pa into that little squirt. The jokes he tells, the way he talks, even the way his little brain works...

Just little glimpses. 

These used to be heart-wrenching because I missed my Pa with my whole being. Just a little sight of him in someone else reminded me that he wasn't there. Now, although I still miss him with my whole being, it is more of a fond ache instead of a deep, searing pain. Now those glimpses are pleasant little reminders of a good, godly man who I was blessed to have in my life for 28 years. 

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for letting me see my Pa once in a while. Because I really miss him. 

KC

(Sidebar: I was planning on going to bed before I started tonight's post, but the prompting was there. I try not to ignore the prompting because maybe one of you needed to read this. I hope this reaches the heart(s) it was meant for!)