Join Me On the Journey

I have such a hard time with balance in my life. It is something that I struggle so much with.

When I have a new interest, I throw myself into it 180%. And then, everything else in my world gets out of balance.

It’s such a frustration to me, but I’m working on it.

Right now, my passion in quilting and I have been focusing on quilting every spare moment I have…not that there are many spare moments in my life. (Yesterday, my oldest daughter and I went to a quilt show in Fargo…just the two of us. It was so wonderful to have one-on-one time with her. It’s so rare.)

School is in full swing (I homeschool) and I have also taken on some new volunteer responsibilities with Faith Lifts.

I feel like writing is taking a back seat right now with everything that’s going on and I’m really frustrated.

But, I’m working on it. I’m praying about it and I know that God will help me to balance things out because He loves being involved in every part of my life…even those parts that I struggle with.

This is part of my journey.

God Bless You on Your Journey.

Popularity: 81%

Harvest is in full swing here in North Dakota, and my Dear Husband is down a man, so I’m called to the field.

God Bless You on Your Journey!

Popularity: 13%

This blog has been such an awesome experience for me. I have met some wonderful people here. I have learned a lot about myself. It has helped me to become more consistent because I have come to feel that there are people out there who are waiting for me to write something to encourage and exhort them.

And, I have been struggling to find my voice.

I would love to be an Andrew Wommack or a Joyce Meyer. But, I have come to realize that’s just not me. Andrew Wommack and Joyce Meyer are teachers. They have spent decades studying the Word and they expound the word and “tell it like it is.” They have an urgent message and they aren’t afraid to share it. They don’t mince words.

And, I have received—and continue to receive—a great deal from them because I am not easily offended. It’s my personality to be able to easily see what someone is saying, regardless of how they say it…even it it’s in a less than sensitive way.

Many people cannot receive from them because they are stymied by the delivery of the words and cannot hear the message.

On the other hand, I am an encourager. Rom 12:6-8 says:

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. (NLT)

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.

That is what I need to focus on. That is where I need to find my voice. And, I am still looking.

I have read and learned so much in my time on this earth. I do read and learn so much every week. But, my gift is more along the line of a John Maxwell or a Joel Osteen.

I need to learn to flow in the gift that God gave me. I don’t think that I have been envying other’s gift, I just think that it has taken me this long to learn that I am an encourager, not a teacher.

Father, help me to find my way!

God Bless You on Your Journey!

Popularity: 15%

This blog has been quite an experience for me.

If you’ve been with me since the beginning, you may have noticed nearly constant little changes along the right side (called the sidebar). On the other hand, they may very well have gone unnoticed by many of you, but behind the scenes, I’ve had flashes of sheer terror as I have been messing around with the code that tells the computer how this site is supposed to look and act.

I have spent the last few months (between cooking and cleaning and chores and children) taking an online crash course on coding. I’ve worked through online courses and read several books. I have learned many things that allow me to make those changes to my website, and I have made some changes. But, it has been scary sometimes!

That first moment that I realized something I had tinkered with had caused a problem, I got that feeling in the pit of my stomach. (You know the one?) I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to fix it. I was afraid of what people would think when they visited the site. I was afraid because my hubby had already said, “You’re on your own with this one!” (He’s my computer guru, but he doesn’t know anything about programing.)

But, I’ve heard Joyce Meyer advise people, “Do some things afraid!”

Just think about that concept…Do some things afraid.

I must admit, that is something I have done quite a bit of my life. It could be part of my personality make-up. After all, I’m a fun-loving Sanguine whose natural tendency is to do things to stand out from the crowd. Or, perhaps it’s just a character attribute I developed early; a decision I made to try new things and learn as much as possible about them. Whatever the case, I just don’t mind that feeling in the pit of my stomach that tells me I’m treading new ground and I don’t know what’s coming over the next hill; in fact, I quite enjoy it.

I felt it the days I performed in piano competitions and when I decided that I would do a senior concert in high school.

I felt it when I left for college; and when I faltered and came home after my father left; and when I decided three years later to apply for medical school.

I felt it nearly every single day during medical school and internship and residency…and most days as a physician.

I feel it as a wife, a mommy and as a teacher to my children.

And I feel it now as a writer…and quasi web designer.

Now, I admit, there are times when I get tired of that feeling. There are times when I would just like to avoid it and live a peaceable life, but most of the time, I bask in doing things afraid!

You may not revel in that feeling as I do. But I would encourage you, doing things afraid can help you grow in areas of your life where you may be stagnant. You can learn so many lessons when the discomfort in your gut pushes you to find the answers you seek no matter what the cost.

Isaiah 43:5a says:

Fear not: for I am with thee: (KJV)

Now, this verse doesn’t tell you not to feel the fear. After all, that wouldn’t make sense. No one can go through this life never feeling fear. Instead, this verse tells you not to allow the fear to paralyze you; to be secure in the fact that God is with you always and so He will help you through that fear.

So…Be Afraid…Be Very Afraid! Ask God today what things He would have you do afraid.

Popularity: 15%

Today is Olivia’s birthday. She is seven years old.

I’m so excited to have a seven year old, but it makes me stop to think that ten years ago, I didn’t think I would ever have children.

When I was a kid, I thought I would have a house full of kids.  I LOVED kids!  I babysat all the time and I just loved it.

But, I made several bad decisions and by the time I was 30, I had come to the conclusion that it just wasn’t going to happen…so, I tried to convince myself that I didn’t want kids.

That was where I was when I met my husband, and he was really disappointed when I said that I didn’t want to have children.  He wanted a big family, and unlike me, he hadn’t given up on his dream.

I must say, though, it didn’t take me long to jump back on the bandwagon.

We were married in March of 1999 and in May of 2000, we had started our family.  We’ve never looked back and now, we have a houseful…and a heart full…of wonderful, growing children.

Thank God for all His many blessings!

Popularity: 4%

Sometimes, I think of my heart (or soul) like a huge house with many rooms. There is a beautiful sitting room where I allow company to come when they visit. Only the best furniture is there and the most beautiful decorations. That room is always kept clean and dusted. It’s where I put on “my best face” and it’s very formal. When people are only allowed in this area of my heart, they don’t know the real me.

Next is the main living area. I’m much less formal there. That’s where I let my family and friends come. It’s a little more lived in. People who are allowed in this area see more of the real me, my thoughts, my hopes, my dreams, my attitudes. They see how I really live, but they only see what I allow them to see.

There are, however, some rooms that are closed up and dark; full of clutter, cobwebs, and dust; the windows covered with heavy drapes so that no light comes in. Those are the areas of old baggage, bad attitudes, and hurt. No one is allowed in those areas of my house. I don’t even go there very often.

But…

God goes in there. I don’t like to think about it, but He’s there. He’s everywhere at all times. And, He beckons me to come in with Him and clean those rooms out.

The first thing He does is open the drapes to let the light come it. Then, I truly see the disarray. I find old reminders of hurts from the past and they have to be grieved over and healing received.

It’s hard work. Sometimes it’s scary, and sometimes it is painful.

But, when it is finished…it is worth it.

Popularity: 5%

I would like to invite you to read or download the next issue of my e-zine, Intentional Living! This issue is all about journaling.

As you can see, I have links to the current issue and past issues on the right as well as all the articles.

You may also visit my website and find this information.

If you would like to receive future issues automatically, there is a sign-up box at the right. I invite you to take advantage of this service. Signing up will also enable you to receive notification of each new blog post.

God Bless You!

Popularity: 4%

JEN has tagged me to complete this meme.

Here are the rules: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. You need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

So, here are 7 things about me you may not know!

1. I used to play classical piano. I performed a senior recital in high school and went to college as a music performance major. However, I didn’t stay a music performance major for long. I have lost a lot of my technique because I don’t practice regularly, but I do have a piano.
2. I hate to sleep. To me, sleep is a waste of a good six hours of my day. I HATE it! But, no one can survive without sleep…not even me.
3. I have a lead foot. I really have to guard against speeding. One time, when the speed limit was only 65 mph on the interstate, I was driving between Kansas and Michigan. I got a ticket for going 82 mph in a 65 mph zone. (SHAME, SHAME!) I figured that statistically, I wouldn’t get another ticket on the same trip, so I drove 75 and 80 the rest of the trip as well. (I am MUCH better now that I have children in the vehicle with me!)
4. I am addicted to time management tips. I have read thousands and thousands of pages of time management material. Most of it focuses on changing behavior, but doesn’t address the underlying attitudes. Also, there isn’t much out there about time management for specific temperaments. I would love to remedy that some day.
5. I am currently milking four goat and I have chickens and guinea fowl as well. I decided to get goats and chickens so we wouldn’t be eating so much processed food. We drink raw milk and “farm fresh” eggs. It’s great. It saves a lot of money at the grocery store, too.
6. I’m a Dave Ramsey fanatic. My hubby and I are determined to get out of debt this year. We have already paid off several old bills and our van and we’re working on the last few credit cards. NO MORE DEBT!
7. I don’t really like housework, but I especially HATE laundry. Over the last several years, I have come to grips with keeping my house clean. (I still have A LOT of clutter.) However, laundry is a hard one for me. It was a little better for a while after I got my high capacity washer and dryer, but right now I’m MAJORLY behind.

Now, I just have to decide who to tag. I hope you enjoy finding out new facts about me.

Popularity: 2%

Well, it’s one of those crazy weeks, ladies. This will truly be a test of my commitment to pray every day.

My little cross-eyed girl will be having surgery tomorrow to correct her strabismus, so I will be a bit preoccupied with that. I would appreciate your prayers both for her and for me (selfish woman that I am). Being a doctor has its disadvantages sometimes. You know more than the average person when your child has to have a simple surgery under general anesthetic.

This morning, though, my wonderful sister-in-law, Stacey, sent me this link to a video that helped take my mind off things for a few minutes. If you are a mom with a mini-van, you must go visit this link. It is so funny.

MOM my van

Thank you so much for keeping us in your prayers.

Popularity: 4%

Did you ever stop to think that most of us treat prayer like a spare tire? After all, what is a spare tire? It’s our back-up plan. It keeps us on the road if we have a flat. So, how does that relate to prayer?

Most of us are driving down the highway, speeding toward our own plans and dreams and wants. As long as things are going well, we don’t really take time to pray. We are, often unconsciously, saying, “God, I don’t need You right now. I’ve got everything under control. But, thanks for being there just in case I need You.”

But then, we hear that familiar noise and feel the slight pull on the steering wheel. Our plans fall apart; our dreams fade; and our wants dance tantalizingly out of our reach. What do we do then? “God, I need You!” “God could You work this out for me?” “God, go get it for me…pleeeeeeeeease!” “God, show me what to do.”

I am so grateful that God is there for me when I call. I’m so glad that I never pull Him out from the back of the car to find that He is flat.

My desire is to make Him the steering wheel instead of the spare tire. Won’t you join me?

Popularity: 6%