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So much has been going on. I'm just having a problem putting it all into words.
Many of my friends have been talking about the book, Heaven is for Real. Since I haven't had time to purchase the book, I bought the audio iPhone App. Just thinking of the book brings tears to my eyes. What the Lord did in their lives is nothing short of amazing. I encourage you to read it or listen to the audio.
That's all I can say right now, because there just aren't any words.
As I said on my FB page-I'm speechless. It doesn't happen very often-you should just enjoy it.
:)
John 20:29
Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Smelling the Roses
Do you stop and smell the roses?
I would say most times I walk past flowers, I stop and smell them. I LOVE not only the smell of flowers, but I enjoy the colors, how they're arranged and just how pretty they are. Some people feel like flowers are a waste of money. They figure, they die, so what's the point?
I would argue....so do we. THAT'S why we SHOULD stop and smell the roses. Appreciate the fragrance, color, arrangement and beauty of life.
It's pretty safe to say we are all busy. Whether it's family, friends, work, errands or whatever else. We all seem to be running around like chickens with our heads chopped off. We barely take time to stop and really be grateful for all we've been blessed with.
Sometimes it's unplanned, sometimes I force myself to and sometimes life forces me to take time, pause and soak in all of my blessings. In the chaos, I 're-cognize' (thank you Elizabeth Murphy) my thinking. If the kids are fighting--I appreciate that we were blessed with three healthy children. The house has never ending projects----I appreciate we have a home. The house is in shambles---I appreciate that we have 'things' for our home. I have to figure out what to make for dinner---I appreciate we have food to make for dinner. I'm in the car a lot....driving the kids to/from school, sporting events, friends houses, appointments and until recently-Luke to work---I appreciate that I don't have to work outside the home and can be there for my kids. The kids argue with me---I appreciate they have opinions and will stand up for what they believe in--sometimes that's a really hard one to appreciate ;)
I definitely don't do it as often as I should and can become frustrated with the chaos. However, when I do stop, reflect and appreciate all I've been given.....life seems so much better.
So, I guess you could say I literally and figuratively stop and smell the roses. :)
I would say most times I walk past flowers, I stop and smell them. I LOVE not only the smell of flowers, but I enjoy the colors, how they're arranged and just how pretty they are. Some people feel like flowers are a waste of money. They figure, they die, so what's the point?
I would argue....so do we. THAT'S why we SHOULD stop and smell the roses. Appreciate the fragrance, color, arrangement and beauty of life.
It's pretty safe to say we are all busy. Whether it's family, friends, work, errands or whatever else. We all seem to be running around like chickens with our heads chopped off. We barely take time to stop and really be grateful for all we've been blessed with.
Sometimes it's unplanned, sometimes I force myself to and sometimes life forces me to take time, pause and soak in all of my blessings. In the chaos, I 're-cognize' (thank you Elizabeth Murphy) my thinking. If the kids are fighting--I appreciate that we were blessed with three healthy children. The house has never ending projects----I appreciate we have a home. The house is in shambles---I appreciate that we have 'things' for our home. I have to figure out what to make for dinner---I appreciate we have food to make for dinner. I'm in the car a lot....driving the kids to/from school, sporting events, friends houses, appointments and until recently-Luke to work---I appreciate that I don't have to work outside the home and can be there for my kids. The kids argue with me---I appreciate they have opinions and will stand up for what they believe in--sometimes that's a really hard one to appreciate ;)
I definitely don't do it as often as I should and can become frustrated with the chaos. However, when I do stop, reflect and appreciate all I've been given.....life seems so much better.
So, I guess you could say I literally and figuratively stop and smell the roses. :)
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Reflection
So, I'm about to be another year older. I've really never had any issues with feeling old or being depressed about my age. Usually, I really look forward to the day. I have MANY good birthday memories, having my friends over for parties, McDonald's parties (anyone remember those?), being so excited about getting a 10-speed for my 10th birthday (aaahhh....that's Mikey's age!) and turning 18. The only year I had a 'problem' with was 25, that was the year I felt panicky about getting old. At the time, I had a four year old and a six year old!
Since then, I've been okay with the numbers, even 30. I think when I start to get a little 'sad' is when I look at pictures from way back and realize....it was WAY back! I mean, I don't think I'm old until I look back at all I used to do and think...wow....I couldn't do that any more. Working three jobs and walking to all of them, getting only a few hours of sleep a night, always busy going places or hanging out with people, leaving the house without make-up while wearing my pajamas and so many more things....
Today, someone posted pics that brought me way back. Let me preface by saying, I was not a fan of high-school. I did NOT care for it at all and no amount of money would ever persuade me to do it all again. I DID enjoy Senior Retreat. However, when I saw pics from this years CMH Senior Retreat, it made me teary eyed for a couple reasons.....one-I had a really great time with my friends and it was a great experience and two-because I don't remember as much as I wish I would. It's not like I was 'on' anything. If you know me, you already 'know' me. :) I just don't remember. :( THAT makes me feel old. Especially since I usually remember everything, details and all.
It's a bit of a loss, to say the least.
As I reflect on the last (almost) 32 years, I'm going to focus more on the many ways in which the Lord has blessed me.
- I love my children and the many ways they keep me laughing.
- I have a 'new' husband who I love-and I didn't even have to get remarried ;)
- I have fantastic in-laws who are VERY supportive and loving of me and my family.
- Loving parents.
- A brother who can finish my songs :)
- A group of REALLY caring cousins.
- New and old friends who support me, love me, challenge me and accept me.
So, thank you Lord for all of these wonderful blessings and thank YOU all for loving me.
Monday, April 4, 2011
An Untimely Ending
A few days ago, a young girl named Lindsay Huenink, lost her life. She was young, well liked, beautiful inside and out and a Christian. There are many stories of her always smiling, laughing and cheering up others. In all the pictures I've seen, all those things appear to be true. Yet, she chose to bring her life to an end.
Lindsay Huenink Article
To so many, including myself, it doesn't make sense. On the other hand I've been there. In a depression so deep and feeling all alone. Not wanting to burden anyone with my problems. When you're THAT sad, you aren't yourself and you aren't thinking clearly. Things seem much worse than they actually are, and it seems the darkness of the night magnifies it even more.
I know a lot of people are thinking, but she was a Christian. She had the love of Christ, how could this happen? Unfortunately, being a Christian does not exempt you from sadness, depression or feeling lonely. Yes, God is always with us, but when you can't actually 'see' him and all the worldly things are screaming in your face, you can become distracted. Satan is most definitely NOT pleased with Christians. It's his goal to take the world down with him. This young girl was compassionate, caring, counseled young younger children at camp, involved in her church, close to her parents and brother.....I don't see how Satan wouldn't be threatened.
It hurts my heart that she felt this deep sadness and that she felt taking her own life was her only option. The thing about depression is many don't reach out and get help. Whether it's because you don't 'want' to, feel you don't 'need' to or it just seems like to much work. Plus, you don't want to burden others and many times you feel bad for feeling the way you do, especially when you're viewed as someone who is always happy.
Selfishness is another thing that comes to people's minds in regards to suicide (ick--I don't even like to type the word). They think, well, you've ended your life and you've left your friends and family to grieve, hurt and deal with unanswered questions. I can see how that would be a 'normal' reaction and all....but it's just not true. The pain and sadness is so strong....they just aren't thinking clearly. They honestly think they're sparing others from themselves.
I used this tragic story as an opportunity to talk with Lucas, my 12-year old, about depression and suicide. It was hard topic to discuss. Part of me doesn't want to give him ideas and/or scare him, but the other part knows that it's important to educate him. To tell him how important HE is and that NOTHING is that bad....no matter what he thinks at the time. I let him know that the feeling can be overwhelming and even though he probably won't feel like it, reach out and talk with someone. I also told him to care for others as well, even people who he thinks are always happy and have it all together. The truth is no one is ever happy 100% of the time.
I pray that people will learn more and become more proactive. I know the news doesn't really report on suicides. They don't want to sensationalize it or give people ideas. I just don't think that's the way to go. They report on murders, robberies and other crimes, why not suicides? Why not use it to make people aware of depression? Why not use it as an opportunity to save others?
Today, while I was reading the paper, I came across another suicide story. Someone who had attempted it and then realized he didn't want to die. He used his story to spread an anti-suicide message to teens. Unfortunately, he lost his life this weekend in a car accident.
Devin Steinfort-Anti-suicide message
I hope you will join me in praying for the Huenink and Steinfort families as they make their way on this difficult journey. I also hope that you use their stories to raise awareness.
Lindsay Huenink Article
To so many, including myself, it doesn't make sense. On the other hand I've been there. In a depression so deep and feeling all alone. Not wanting to burden anyone with my problems. When you're THAT sad, you aren't yourself and you aren't thinking clearly. Things seem much worse than they actually are, and it seems the darkness of the night magnifies it even more.
I know a lot of people are thinking, but she was a Christian. She had the love of Christ, how could this happen? Unfortunately, being a Christian does not exempt you from sadness, depression or feeling lonely. Yes, God is always with us, but when you can't actually 'see' him and all the worldly things are screaming in your face, you can become distracted. Satan is most definitely NOT pleased with Christians. It's his goal to take the world down with him. This young girl was compassionate, caring, counseled young younger children at camp, involved in her church, close to her parents and brother.....I don't see how Satan wouldn't be threatened.
It hurts my heart that she felt this deep sadness and that she felt taking her own life was her only option. The thing about depression is many don't reach out and get help. Whether it's because you don't 'want' to, feel you don't 'need' to or it just seems like to much work. Plus, you don't want to burden others and many times you feel bad for feeling the way you do, especially when you're viewed as someone who is always happy.
Selfishness is another thing that comes to people's minds in regards to suicide (ick--I don't even like to type the word). They think, well, you've ended your life and you've left your friends and family to grieve, hurt and deal with unanswered questions. I can see how that would be a 'normal' reaction and all....but it's just not true. The pain and sadness is so strong....they just aren't thinking clearly. They honestly think they're sparing others from themselves.
I used this tragic story as an opportunity to talk with Lucas, my 12-year old, about depression and suicide. It was hard topic to discuss. Part of me doesn't want to give him ideas and/or scare him, but the other part knows that it's important to educate him. To tell him how important HE is and that NOTHING is that bad....no matter what he thinks at the time. I let him know that the feeling can be overwhelming and even though he probably won't feel like it, reach out and talk with someone. I also told him to care for others as well, even people who he thinks are always happy and have it all together. The truth is no one is ever happy 100% of the time.
I pray that people will learn more and become more proactive. I know the news doesn't really report on suicides. They don't want to sensationalize it or give people ideas. I just don't think that's the way to go. They report on murders, robberies and other crimes, why not suicides? Why not use it to make people aware of depression? Why not use it as an opportunity to save others?
Today, while I was reading the paper, I came across another suicide story. Someone who had attempted it and then realized he didn't want to die. He used his story to spread an anti-suicide message to teens. Unfortunately, he lost his life this weekend in a car accident.
Devin Steinfort-Anti-suicide message
I hope you will join me in praying for the Huenink and Steinfort families as they make their way on this difficult journey. I also hope that you use their stories to raise awareness.
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