Religion and Spirituality

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My Psalm

The Bible Babes, my study group for the past 8 years, committed this week to writing a Psalm to share with each other.  I can’t begin to share with you the beauty of each sister’s words, brought on by their own inspiration.  I spent a few days thinking about what would be in my Psalm and then I sat down and put pen to paper.  What will you write for your Psalm?

My Psalm

Hi God – it’s me again.  Thanks for being right where I need you.  You always manage to show me your presence.  Whether it’s in the beautiful flowers or perfectly grown vegetables.  Whether it’s smiles and laughter of friends or the calm, serene and silent moments.  Whether it’s the majesty of your great big animals or the frail brilliance of the birds.  Lord, there’s nowhere I can look that doesn’t remind me of you and your love.

Father, when there’s heartache and disappointment in my life, I don’t always look to you first.  Help me Lord, help me to see those signs that you are present.

Give me the wisdom to look first to you.

Give me the right people in my life, surround me with those who will encourage me.

Give me the right words to draw others to you.  After all, YOU are the comforter, the be all and end all to provide us that loving warmth and joy that we seek.

Give me peace Lord.  I know you offer it to me in so many ways.  Let me feel it with all of my senses.

With Peace within, you give me courage to share your fabulocity with others.

And when I say, “Hi God, it’s me again,” Thank you for treating me like I’m the best thing that’s ever happened.

Thank you for making me feel so important and deserving of your love.

I love you Lord.

A DEFINING MOMENT
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A DEFINING MOMENT

Heart Flame

A defining moment can come at any time.  My moment came in the early morning hours while a gentle snow fell from a dark sky.  Oversized Chair. Warm Fire. Cozy Blanket. Bold Coffee. And Max Lucado’s book, Come Thirsty.

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The Hardest Part of a Workout

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Jaime & me on October 27, 2012 after the Healdsburg Half Marathon in Sonoma County celebrating my 50th Birthday!

Hands Down, most difficult part of a workout for me is just putting on my shoes….

I absolutely love it when I’m actually working out!  I love the feeling of making my body tired, and more than that I love the feeling of being able to walk, run, hike as many miles as I want to.  I love meeting a goal.  I love the euphoric feeling that running can bring.  My family all works out.  From running to lifting weights to playing organized sports to yoga.  We all participate in something.  I’m happy that Aldo & I were able to set an example of the importance of taking care of your body.  Even if it’s some hard work in the yard and garden!!

You’d think I’d never quit working out, would you?  Ha!  I love meeting a goal and once the goal is over, I tend to stop.  I can still do active fun but not like when I’m training.  I lose my motivation and I can’t seem to put my running shoes on to go outside or go downstairs to the treadmill.

I have come up with ways in the past to solve the lack of shoes on my feet.

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Moms, Kindly Scoot Out of the Way

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We moms can be kind of controlling. Are you intrigued because you are a mom, you are married to a mom or you have a mom?!! I write this message as a mom, who has a partner in parenting.  I don’t want to leave my sweet husband out of this!

I believe it’s in our nature to want everything to be wonderful for our children.  We want to protect them and we don’t want them to hurt – EVER.  Our wisdom and experience can certainly save them a lot of grief in life.  We think they need us to be in the helicopter over them, ready to slide down the rope to save them at any moment.  Hold Please — Land the Helicopter and Let Them Fly!

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All Plates are NOT Created Equal — God Knows What He’s Doing

Why can she do so many things in her life and I can barely manage to get myself out the door to work?  What gives him so much energy to accomplish goals and it seems like it’s so easy for him?   My plate is full. And it’s my plate to fill.

Think about the last time you compared yourself to someone else?  Not that long ago?  I know — it’s human nature to compare ourselves to others but people…. throw away the self doubt!  Why do we feel inadequate when we see “Mr. Get ‘Er Done” or “Ms. Overachiever?”  What is God’s intention for our lives?

I’m telling you my friend – God gave us all a different size plate to fill.  For some of us – we practically have a serving platter, for others of us – we have a tea cup saucer.  Along with the size of plate, He gave us different gifts to use.  He gave us everything we could possibly need to fulfill His plan for our lives. Continue reading →