Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.- Hebrews 11:1
We do not see God. We may not see Him immediately intervening in our lives. We may not have full blown faith and hope in Him doing the things we pray for him to intercede with. At the time anyway. We may think He isn't listening or there. Oh but He is.
Looking back through my timeline on Facebook, it's evident of very small and big events throughout my life. It's evident God was in my life even though I did not give Him as much glory for that as He well deserves.
After high school, I wanted to go to UTC but I didn't score high enough on the ACT to get the "big" scholarship. I went anyway and my sophomore year landed an awesome scholarship that even allowed me to have a "refund" to live off of.
I wanted to get into PT school. I worked my tail off and my dream came true.
I wanted to survive PT school. I did.
I wanted to pass boards. I did.
Around the time I finished, I was desperate for a job. I was afraid I would have to move in order just to get one. I got a job right out of school in Chattanooga just in time before my savings ran out.
Around this time in my life I felt I was wandering aimlessly. I had my dream career, but not the dream "life" I was hoping for. I needed a person to journey through life with. I dated the wrong guy. I knew he was not "the one". I began to notice in my timeline on FB, that I would quote scripture to help me along the way, like I was searching for something, anything to find my path. This was not like anything I ever used to do. As I continued to float along, Caleb and I saw each other again at a wedding in April 2010 and went to the movies that evening. Next thing I know, I'm head over heels in love with the right guy.
2 months passed and Caleb had to accept a job in Oneida, TN. Needless to say, we were both devastated. We cried for a while but both agreed we saw a future in our relationship and promised to make it work somehow. I was working at the hospital, which included several weekend shifts. That was not going to make it easy on us. A month later, North River called me with a job offer (no weekends anymore) and I gladly accepted. I had not prayed directly for God to give me another job, but I had been praying for Him to find a way for us. He did.
Caleb lived in Oneida during football season, so I made the trip up there most every weekend. God kept me safe during those 2.5 hour one way trips through random towns and curvy roads. It was stressful and hard, but our time together brought us closer and closer as leaving on Sundays was the hardest thing I've ever done. By the grace of God, Caleb was offered a job at Boyd Buchanan in early December and moved back home. 2 weeks later, he proposed.
The day of our wedding it was pouring rain. You could have said I was a little upset. There were storms all around us, but nothing ever hit the wedding site enough to cause any damage. 2 hours before our ceremony was to start, it stopped raining. Around the time I was to walk down the aisle, the sun came out. Although the table cloths and seats were wet, our wedding was perfectly beautiful and we had the most amazing sunset. Now every time I see a gorgeous sunrise or sunset, it just reminds me of His goodness.
Caleb's job at Boyd has led us to new friendships that I have needed my whole life, to be around those with the same beliefs/morals as me. Boyd also led us to Clear Creek Church of Christ which is part of our family now. God is amazing for He sent people I need in my life to encourage and uplift me, not that just are convenient. He has encouraged me to no longer follow the crowd, but be myself while seeking Him, proving He will send people in my pathway, not that I have to chase or conform with.
There are times now in my life where I think we won't be able to handle our finances or schedule or the stress from work, yet day to day, week to week and month to month, it's always okay. God always takes care of us.
Now, don't get me wrong, I was praying and thanking God throughout all this time, but it wasn't until now I see how significant and intricate his plan and timing really was. When I think back to before all the above happened (circa 2003 and forward) I could have told you I hoped to go to college, be a PT, get a job and get married. But I didn't know the how or when or who. I could not see that. Now I know that God saw it the whole time.
In Hebrews chapter 1, it has a discussion of faith in things we hope for but do not yet see. I do not see God but I have faith, belief and knowledge that He exists. I do not see our future, but I have faith, hope and belief that God will provide just as He did in the past even when my faith was minimal.
As I was going through all these events, I was very happy and excited to make these accomplishments and find my husband. It's not until looking back now that my eyes were not open enough to "see" that everything going on were those "unseen" things I had hoped for. God knew my heart and what I needed at the right time. I have every faith that He will continue to do this and it's making my faith grow more and more each day.
I vowed to myself just this week that when I began to have anxiety and worry over things very beyond my control right now, to avoid obsessing over it like I have in the past and instead draw nearer to Him. I love my Bible app on my phone, but probably have 200+ verses book marked. This week, I have spent countless hours writing them in a journal and memorizing some of them. It's working much better than I had ever hoped for.
But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently- Romans 8:25
So I will continue to hope for what I do not yet have, what I cannot yet see. But this time, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God sees it already and I need not worry.
I hope you can all reflect and look back on your life and see how God was there the whole time. Feed your faith and it will grow.
Happy Wednesday!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
10 years, where did you go?
So it just hit me. My 10 year high school reunion is next weekend. I graduated high school 10 years ago. Everyone said to me the time from 18 to you upper 20's is when you learn and grow the most so make the most of it and don't grow up too soon. They were correct. I am going to somehow try to re-cap how my life has changed in those 10 years and what I've learned/lost/gained.
Gained:
1. 20 pounds. Yep, I said it.
2. A husband.
3. 2 dogs.
4. A mortgage.
5. Two college degrees.
6. Several friends.
7. A full time job as a Physical Therapist.
8. A stronger sense of self and who I am.
9. A church family
10. A stronger faith in God and myself.
Lost:
1. My precious Nana, Jewell Agee in September 2003.
2. Several friends
3. Several boyfriends (thank goodness)
4. My way. A few times.
5. My iPhone in the ocean.
6. Money. Lots and lots of money.
7. Flexibility. I feel older everyday!
I've learned:
1. Your heart never truly leaves home. Ever. I love Chattanooga, but Pikeville will always be my home. I still sometimes wonder what in the world I ever did over there.
2. College teaches you more than you ever could imagine. Not only about your major, but life in general.
3. Friends come and go, but family is forever.
4. Dating is tough but makes you realize exactly you want/need out of a spouse. Special thanks to all those guys who taught me a lot and led me to find my wonderful husband.
5. School loans drain you.
6. The people that have come into and out of your life were placed there for a reason. I share many, many great memories of my college, graduate school, post-college working single life and now married days. I can't look back in regret as each experience has shaped me into who I am today.
7. Don't go to South Beach. Just don't.
8. These were some of the best times of my life. And I will never get them back.
9. God is oh so good and in control. Doing a pretty good job, when I let Him.
10. I'm all grown up.
Here's to the Class of 2003. Can't wait to see everyone next weekend!
Gained:
1. 20 pounds. Yep, I said it.
2. A husband.
3. 2 dogs.
4. A mortgage.
5. Two college degrees.
6. Several friends.
7. A full time job as a Physical Therapist.
8. A stronger sense of self and who I am.
9. A church family
10. A stronger faith in God and myself.
Lost:
1. My precious Nana, Jewell Agee in September 2003.
2. Several friends
3. Several boyfriends (thank goodness)
4. My way. A few times.
5. My iPhone in the ocean.
6. Money. Lots and lots of money.
7. Flexibility. I feel older everyday!
I've learned:
1. Your heart never truly leaves home. Ever. I love Chattanooga, but Pikeville will always be my home. I still sometimes wonder what in the world I ever did over there.
2. College teaches you more than you ever could imagine. Not only about your major, but life in general.
3. Friends come and go, but family is forever.
4. Dating is tough but makes you realize exactly you want/need out of a spouse. Special thanks to all those guys who taught me a lot and led me to find my wonderful husband.
5. School loans drain you.
6. The people that have come into and out of your life were placed there for a reason. I share many, many great memories of my college, graduate school, post-college working single life and now married days. I can't look back in regret as each experience has shaped me into who I am today.
7. Don't go to South Beach. Just don't.
8. These were some of the best times of my life. And I will never get them back.
9. God is oh so good and in control. Doing a pretty good job, when I let Him.
10. I'm all grown up.
Here's to the Class of 2003. Can't wait to see everyone next weekend!
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Little things
Do you ever just get caught up in life that you forget to notice all
the small things to be thankful for? I know I do. But, there are
sometimes where my heart is overwhelmed when I think of everything I
have. As I get older, I have started appreciating the "everyday" little
things that are often overlooked.
1. A roof over my head. I love our house. Most of the time. It's not my dream house, but we are so blessed to have it to call and make our own, one project at a time as money allows. Some people do not have a home. While this house is big for just the two of us now (plus the dogs), we will grow into it one day!
2. Health. I see many people daily struggle with pain, disease, depression. I am thankful to have a job where I play a role as an advocate for people and example of how to stay healthier. I have the knowledge, means and ability to take control of my health now at an early age, to avoid all these problems I see later in life in my patients.
3. My job. As much as I need the paycheck, let's be honest, I dream of being a stay at home mom (one day). It will never happen, but it's still a feeling. But I would probably miss what I do sometimes. I have the luxury of working close to home and coming home for lunch. I don't have to fight much traffic, just the occasional wild turkey or tractor. It takes me ~8 minutes with no red lights at all. I think of all the days driving downtown to class and Parkridge and I am so blessed to not have to do that anymore.
4. My dogs. They provide so much joy, company and experience. They teach me to be more patient. They teach me how to care for others and put their needs first. They leave toys scattered everywhere to prepare me for kids. They literally turn our living room into a WWF arena every night. They show me unconditional love. My Manning keeps me in shape as he loves to go for a 2 mile walk through our hilly neighborhood. It's one of my favorite times of the day.
5. My husband. Love him. He always comes home to me. He helps me around the house. He puts the dogs to bed every night. He makes me laugh. He compliments me often. He eats my meatless meals. He motivates me. He encourages me. He loves me for me. He has made my dreams come true.
6. Reminders. I read my daily devotional every morning at breakfast. I read another one at lunch. These things talk about life and give encouraging words and verses to carry with me through my day. It reminds me that through God I can do anything.
7. My zumba class. Oh what fun! You would have to drag me to run or do any other type of cardio for an hour. But play some good beats and let me move my feet and shake it, I can do that for 2 hours! Plus sweat and burn lots of calories at the same time! I love the people that go with me too which makes it even better! Our instructor is amazing and so sweet!
8. My older, I mean wiser friends. No one can guide you better than someone who has just lived through it. Whether it be early marriage advice, job stress, house stress, coaches wife stress, family stress... it's so comforting to have people around me that know exactly what I'm talking about and hold nothing back to tell me like it is and give advice. God has truly placed these special people in my path for a reason.
9. Green tea. The most refreshing thing on earth. Don't care if I brew it, Sonic or Starbucks, it's my latest guilty? pleasure. I did hear it can make one bruise easier today. I tend to run into things or get kicked by machines at work so bruises are just a normal thing for me.
10. The sunset. God's pure infinite plan and beauty.
11. Quinoa. Where has this been all my life? I know, they probably don't sell it at the Piggly Wiggly/IGA in Pikeville. Talk about a versatile non guilty food! Even Caleb eats it!
12. Football. As much as it makes my husband be MIA, I absolutely live for those Friday night lights. I will try to be a little calmer this year. Friday night football, then watching on the news, then waking up to College Game Day. Every Southern girl's dream.
13. Workout skirts. So comfy. They hide riding up shorts and are cool. Even capri pants are too hot at Zumba.
14. My bed. Best investment ever. Our new mattress should come with a "you will never want to leave" warning.
15. My parents. Literally would not be where or who I am today without em. I still talk to my mama 3x/day ish. Only children get special privileges I guess.
16. Organization. It just makes me happy.
17. Singing in church. Old hymns, new contemporary. Soprano or Tenor. I look forward to Sunday mornings so much. They stick with me all through the week.
18. Online banking. I hate balancing my checkbook.
19. Farmer's markets.
20. Gummy vitamins. So yummy!
What little things are you thankful for?
1. A roof over my head. I love our house. Most of the time. It's not my dream house, but we are so blessed to have it to call and make our own, one project at a time as money allows. Some people do not have a home. While this house is big for just the two of us now (plus the dogs), we will grow into it one day!
2. Health. I see many people daily struggle with pain, disease, depression. I am thankful to have a job where I play a role as an advocate for people and example of how to stay healthier. I have the knowledge, means and ability to take control of my health now at an early age, to avoid all these problems I see later in life in my patients.
3. My job. As much as I need the paycheck, let's be honest, I dream of being a stay at home mom (one day). It will never happen, but it's still a feeling. But I would probably miss what I do sometimes. I have the luxury of working close to home and coming home for lunch. I don't have to fight much traffic, just the occasional wild turkey or tractor. It takes me ~8 minutes with no red lights at all. I think of all the days driving downtown to class and Parkridge and I am so blessed to not have to do that anymore.
4. My dogs. They provide so much joy, company and experience. They teach me to be more patient. They teach me how to care for others and put their needs first. They leave toys scattered everywhere to prepare me for kids. They literally turn our living room into a WWF arena every night. They show me unconditional love. My Manning keeps me in shape as he loves to go for a 2 mile walk through our hilly neighborhood. It's one of my favorite times of the day.
5. My husband. Love him. He always comes home to me. He helps me around the house. He puts the dogs to bed every night. He makes me laugh. He compliments me often. He eats my meatless meals. He motivates me. He encourages me. He loves me for me. He has made my dreams come true.
6. Reminders. I read my daily devotional every morning at breakfast. I read another one at lunch. These things talk about life and give encouraging words and verses to carry with me through my day. It reminds me that through God I can do anything.
7. My zumba class. Oh what fun! You would have to drag me to run or do any other type of cardio for an hour. But play some good beats and let me move my feet and shake it, I can do that for 2 hours! Plus sweat and burn lots of calories at the same time! I love the people that go with me too which makes it even better! Our instructor is amazing and so sweet!
8. My older, I mean wiser friends. No one can guide you better than someone who has just lived through it. Whether it be early marriage advice, job stress, house stress, coaches wife stress, family stress... it's so comforting to have people around me that know exactly what I'm talking about and hold nothing back to tell me like it is and give advice. God has truly placed these special people in my path for a reason.
9. Green tea. The most refreshing thing on earth. Don't care if I brew it, Sonic or Starbucks, it's my latest guilty? pleasure. I did hear it can make one bruise easier today. I tend to run into things or get kicked by machines at work so bruises are just a normal thing for me.
10. The sunset. God's pure infinite plan and beauty.
11. Quinoa. Where has this been all my life? I know, they probably don't sell it at the Piggly Wiggly/IGA in Pikeville. Talk about a versatile non guilty food! Even Caleb eats it!
12. Football. As much as it makes my husband be MIA, I absolutely live for those Friday night lights. I will try to be a little calmer this year. Friday night football, then watching on the news, then waking up to College Game Day. Every Southern girl's dream.
13. Workout skirts. So comfy. They hide riding up shorts and are cool. Even capri pants are too hot at Zumba.
14. My bed. Best investment ever. Our new mattress should come with a "you will never want to leave" warning.
15. My parents. Literally would not be where or who I am today without em. I still talk to my mama 3x/day ish. Only children get special privileges I guess.
16. Organization. It just makes me happy.
17. Singing in church. Old hymns, new contemporary. Soprano or Tenor. I look forward to Sunday mornings so much. They stick with me all through the week.
18. Online banking. I hate balancing my checkbook.
19. Farmer's markets.
20. Gummy vitamins. So yummy!
What little things are you thankful for?
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Sundays and such
Sundays are bittersweet. As much as I love sleeping in a little later (I get up early for Zumba on Saturdays), going to church, lunch with my husband and sometimes friends, catching up, cleaning, organizing, being outside, walking Manning, and going to small group, I know tomorrow is eek, Monday. Over the past few years, the term "Sunday Funday" has been popular. While we may do fun things, it's not a day for partying. It's for worshiping, fellowship, family, getting ready for the week and most of all resting/relaxing! We have just started going to our new small group at church which we love. It's nice to have those to hold you accountable and study the sermon from the morning. There will many service opportunities with this group which excites me.
May is going to be a busy month. I so hoped this would have been a pretty weekend since it's the only one not jammed pack with events. But alas, I spent time indoors organizing closets and throwing things away. That's one of my favorite pastimes. Next weekend is our niece's first birthday party. I can't wait to see how excited she is with her presents and smash cake. Then there is Mother's Day. I also can't wait to see how excited my mom is over her present. (Mom, don't even ask. I will not tell you.) The following weekend is Boyd's graduation, friend's wedding, decoration and Caleb's Nanny's 90th birthday party. The next weekend is the spring football game and Memorial Day which holds no telling what. When it rains, it pours, but it's nice to have all these people in our lives that bless us. I hope we can be a blessing to them. We are hoping to get the pool open next Friday. Fingers crossed. This girl needs some sunshine and a tan!
June won't fail as a busy month either with the all-star game, summer practices, our 2nd wedding anniversary and a trip to the beach with Caleb's family. Literally at a blink of an eye, summer will be over and it will be football season again.
Jenny and I have been busy planning our 10 year high school reunion which is in August. I am still in disbelief, but am so excited to have everyone together again.
I have a new found love, Zumba at Complete Training. It is close to home, affordable and fits in my work schedule. I attend class 3x/week and dance at home 1x/week. It's so much fun and my gansta friends Olivia and Kristi make it even more fun. I sweat and have fun at the same time. It never feels like an hour has went by. And my quads, inner thighs, butt and abs are always so sore the next day. Jodi is an amazing teacher.
I have also branched out and found a new hair stylist closer to Soddy as driving 2 hours round trip to Pikeville has been hard to fit into my schedule as well. She did a great job on my hair and I will definitely go back.
Manning's training has been going so much better. He now understands sit, down, shake, look and heel. He doesn't always get it the first time, but if I make my voice more stern and yank on the leash, he wises up. I am going to try to take him back to his trainer this month so she can see how much better he is doing and give me instructions for the next phase. He still dislikes most strangers, dogs and cars, but he now knows mama is in control. Right now he is asleep beside me with his chin resting on his favorite ball and his back legs on the floor. This dog is the sunshine of my life. And Dolly too.
Apparently I didn't have much else to write about nor a specific topic like I usually do! So enjoy this hodgepodge of our busy life!
May is going to be a busy month. I so hoped this would have been a pretty weekend since it's the only one not jammed pack with events. But alas, I spent time indoors organizing closets and throwing things away. That's one of my favorite pastimes. Next weekend is our niece's first birthday party. I can't wait to see how excited she is with her presents and smash cake. Then there is Mother's Day. I also can't wait to see how excited my mom is over her present. (Mom, don't even ask. I will not tell you.) The following weekend is Boyd's graduation, friend's wedding, decoration and Caleb's Nanny's 90th birthday party. The next weekend is the spring football game and Memorial Day which holds no telling what. When it rains, it pours, but it's nice to have all these people in our lives that bless us. I hope we can be a blessing to them. We are hoping to get the pool open next Friday. Fingers crossed. This girl needs some sunshine and a tan!
June won't fail as a busy month either with the all-star game, summer practices, our 2nd wedding anniversary and a trip to the beach with Caleb's family. Literally at a blink of an eye, summer will be over and it will be football season again.
Jenny and I have been busy planning our 10 year high school reunion which is in August. I am still in disbelief, but am so excited to have everyone together again.
I have a new found love, Zumba at Complete Training. It is close to home, affordable and fits in my work schedule. I attend class 3x/week and dance at home 1x/week. It's so much fun and my gansta friends Olivia and Kristi make it even more fun. I sweat and have fun at the same time. It never feels like an hour has went by. And my quads, inner thighs, butt and abs are always so sore the next day. Jodi is an amazing teacher.
I have also branched out and found a new hair stylist closer to Soddy as driving 2 hours round trip to Pikeville has been hard to fit into my schedule as well. She did a great job on my hair and I will definitely go back.
Manning's training has been going so much better. He now understands sit, down, shake, look and heel. He doesn't always get it the first time, but if I make my voice more stern and yank on the leash, he wises up. I am going to try to take him back to his trainer this month so she can see how much better he is doing and give me instructions for the next phase. He still dislikes most strangers, dogs and cars, but he now knows mama is in control. Right now he is asleep beside me with his chin resting on his favorite ball and his back legs on the floor. This dog is the sunshine of my life. And Dolly too.
Apparently I didn't have much else to write about nor a specific topic like I usually do! So enjoy this hodgepodge of our busy life!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Sitting on G
It's always hard for me to think of a title for my blogs. I do not have one right now as I am beginning, but once my fingers start flying as my thoughts pour out and I actually figure where all these ideas will stream into, I will have one.
My thoughtful, encouraging, inspiring friend, Heidi, sent me this link this morning that made me laugh and then really think. This woman compared the personalities of her two dogs, one being a Siberian husky and the other a German shepherd. They are pretty much the same as my Manning and Dolly. Manning is always alert, anxious, awake, sitting on G waiting on O to play ball, walk, go for a car ride, go outside, go upstairs, whatever. Where as Dolly is perfectly content sitting under a tree,chewing on some wood, lounging on her chaise, resting her head on the window sill, or wallering in the floor on her back (what she is doing as I type now). They do play together a lot, but their personalities are night and day. They actually somewhat reflect mine and Caleb's personalities. I am always looking for something else to do, chores, laundry,cleaning, a new recipe online, organizing something, etc. Caleb is very laid back and will get things done in his own time. I am the over eager busy body German shepherd and Caleb is the relaxed, go with the flow bloodhound. Caleb is very sweet just like Dolly too where as I have more of a temper like Manning.
If you read further into this woman's post, she then forms the analogy of God's servants. Are we ready to go and be used for Him at anytime or are we content/relaxed in our own little worlds? Are we actively waiting for Him to tell us how we can be used for his service here on Earth, or are we too busy with our own lives that we are too worn out for what He could use us for?
I feel that I have been a mixture of both at times. Sometimes I feel that I am so busy with worldly things and thoughts that I am too worn out to serve Him, who should be put first. Others, I am finding I am just seeking Him on all occasions and even sometimes not paying attention to the world. I am happy to say that lately I have been more of the latter. Our new small group is making me more "busy" but in a good way. In a great way. Growing spiritually is never a bad thing. I am learning to sacrifice things that I desire in order to make more time to attend small group, study, or pray. I am turning down invitations for not so important social engagements because I really do not want to run around like a chicken with my head cut off. I like having the time to just take a walk with Manning, manage my home & be caught up by the time Caleb gets home so I can hang out with him. Putting God first really does somehow put everything in its proper place/order of priority. It's not always easy though.
The following 2 verses really sum it up:
Isaiah 6:8, "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" (NIV)
Luke 12:35-36, "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him." (NIV)
If you have never heard of the website www.proverbs31.org, you should check it out! They will send you a daily devotion via email and there are also categories to look through as well from past posts. Big thanks to Heidi for telling me about them.
P.S. Manning is 2 weeks into his hard core "boot camp" training with me. We have only missed 2 days of walking due to weather. He seems more interested in me now during walks and less about where he wants to go or his surroundings. He hardly pulls at all now. Granted, he has on FOUR collars. Yes four. Tick collar, regular ID collar, pinch collar (for corrections) and hunting shock collar (for MAJOR corrections or if he gets off his leash). He looks like he is Mr. T. He actually walked past 2 kids and a poodle yesterday and barely looked at them! When I tell him NO when another dog begins to bark at us, he actually puts his heckles down on his back and keeps going. Is he perfect? Of course not. But we are onto something. And if I just keep it up, 2 miles every single walk almost daily, one day he may just listen to me in stressful situations (vet, strangers, etc). I have learned to have patience with him during our walks and patience in the fact that he won't be perfectly the way I want him trained overnight. I do think it has strengthened our relationship more as he listens better, sits before going in/out doors, getting food/treats etc, and respects me more.
Caleb is almost home, so I am going to wrap this up. Thanks for reading my ramblings. If you don't like it, then stop reading it! ;)
My thoughtful, encouraging, inspiring friend, Heidi, sent me this link this morning that made me laugh and then really think. This woman compared the personalities of her two dogs, one being a Siberian husky and the other a German shepherd. They are pretty much the same as my Manning and Dolly. Manning is always alert, anxious, awake, sitting on G waiting on O to play ball, walk, go for a car ride, go outside, go upstairs, whatever. Where as Dolly is perfectly content sitting under a tree,chewing on some wood, lounging on her chaise, resting her head on the window sill, or wallering in the floor on her back (what she is doing as I type now). They do play together a lot, but their personalities are night and day. They actually somewhat reflect mine and Caleb's personalities. I am always looking for something else to do, chores, laundry,cleaning, a new recipe online, organizing something, etc. Caleb is very laid back and will get things done in his own time. I am the over eager busy body German shepherd and Caleb is the relaxed, go with the flow bloodhound. Caleb is very sweet just like Dolly too where as I have more of a temper like Manning.
If you read further into this woman's post, she then forms the analogy of God's servants. Are we ready to go and be used for Him at anytime or are we content/relaxed in our own little worlds? Are we actively waiting for Him to tell us how we can be used for his service here on Earth, or are we too busy with our own lives that we are too worn out for what He could use us for?
I feel that I have been a mixture of both at times. Sometimes I feel that I am so busy with worldly things and thoughts that I am too worn out to serve Him, who should be put first. Others, I am finding I am just seeking Him on all occasions and even sometimes not paying attention to the world. I am happy to say that lately I have been more of the latter. Our new small group is making me more "busy" but in a good way. In a great way. Growing spiritually is never a bad thing. I am learning to sacrifice things that I desire in order to make more time to attend small group, study, or pray. I am turning down invitations for not so important social engagements because I really do not want to run around like a chicken with my head cut off. I like having the time to just take a walk with Manning, manage my home & be caught up by the time Caleb gets home so I can hang out with him. Putting God first really does somehow put everything in its proper place/order of priority. It's not always easy though.
The following 2 verses really sum it up:
Isaiah 6:8, "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" (NIV)
Luke 12:35-36, "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him." (NIV)
If you have never heard of the website www.proverbs31.org, you should check it out! They will send you a daily devotion via email and there are also categories to look through as well from past posts. Big thanks to Heidi for telling me about them.
P.S. Manning is 2 weeks into his hard core "boot camp" training with me. We have only missed 2 days of walking due to weather. He seems more interested in me now during walks and less about where he wants to go or his surroundings. He hardly pulls at all now. Granted, he has on FOUR collars. Yes four. Tick collar, regular ID collar, pinch collar (for corrections) and hunting shock collar (for MAJOR corrections or if he gets off his leash). He looks like he is Mr. T. He actually walked past 2 kids and a poodle yesterday and barely looked at them! When I tell him NO when another dog begins to bark at us, he actually puts his heckles down on his back and keeps going. Is he perfect? Of course not. But we are onto something. And if I just keep it up, 2 miles every single walk almost daily, one day he may just listen to me in stressful situations (vet, strangers, etc). I have learned to have patience with him during our walks and patience in the fact that he won't be perfectly the way I want him trained overnight. I do think it has strengthened our relationship more as he listens better, sits before going in/out doors, getting food/treats etc, and respects me more.
Caleb is almost home, so I am going to wrap this up. Thanks for reading my ramblings. If you don't like it, then stop reading it! ;)
Sunday, April 14, 2013
55 things about my dad
My mom is going to be jealous, but she will have to wait until November for her birthday I guess. My dad turned 55 today. The double nickel. Sammy Hagar's I can't drive 55. I have told him numerous times I could never ever repay him for all he has done for me. The list is too long to name. He really is always there for me, my car, my house, my dogs, my plumbing, etc. My dad shows his love by doing for others. He is not the sentimental type. He is getting a little bit softer now in his grey hair years though. Here are 55 reasons to proclaim what a great person and dad he is with a few memories in there too.
1. He is SO funny. He is a big cut up everywhere we go. He used to give the name "Griswold, Clampett, Drysdale" at restaurants for our table waits.
2. He used to tell me I could not date until I was 28. I guess I can date as of now.
3. He has a value for classics. Look in his garage.
4. He can bust a move. From the Twist, Macarena, Cupid Shuffle, you name it. I will never forget when he demonstrated the Cupid Shuffle to me in our kitchen at breakfast one morning. I had no idea he knew it. Our father daughter dance to My Girl was also pretty entertaining.
5. He makes to do lists. And checks them off. This is where I get my OCD from.
6. His garage is labeled and the attic is alphabetized.
7. He wore sunglasses in my wedding to hide his emotions.
8. He loves to sing karaoke. Also where I get this. Song of choice: "Crazy" by Patsy Cline. Dogs howl :)
9. He built my mom's dogs a "dog condo." Heat, electricity, ceiling fans, the works. Who does that?
10. He can invent anything.
11. He can hang custom built 70 pound pinterest inspired window mirrors in no time.
12. He is the only person I have ever witnessed to "spank the baby" on a diving board, all the while shaving the hair off the back of his thigh.
13. You could eat off of his cars.
14. You could eat off of his lawnmowers. No really, he waxes them.
15. He dives in the pool with his sunglasses on and they fall off every time. I get to swim down and retrieve them.
16. He is impatient. Just like me.
17. He hates clutter. Just like me.
18. He washed my car nearly every weekend when I came home from college.
19. He has only missed changing my oil in my car once since I was 16.
20. He uses his work vacation days to do projects like my tile at my house.
21. He uses his work vacation days to remodel his mother's house.
22. He used to drink sweet tea out of huge measuring cups at Sunday dinners at my Mamaw's house.
23. He bought his dad a goat (Billy Tom Clinton) and a pot bellied pig (Maybelline) for Christmas presents. The pictures and videos are priceless.
24. He once entered a woman less beauty contest for charity, donning fake nails, pantyhose and his mother's bra stuffed with half Nerf footballs. And he won.
25. He has the neatest handwriting.
26. He asked me every day after school "Did you learn anything or do you gotta go back tomorrow?"
27. We saw the ocean together for the first time when I was 4 at Daytona.
28. If you see him in Wal-mart, he may embarrass you over the loud speaker. Or in a hospital even. He knows how to work them all.
29. He wore the biggest smile on his face during both of my college graduations.
30. He drove his precious 55' Chevy on a farm and it nearly got stuck all because I wanted him to drive me up to the aisle for my wedding.
31. He made sure to wipe it off before getting me out to get a laugh out of everyone.
32. He finds a new hobby every 5 years, adding to his old ones.
33. He has a DJ business on the side and loves to have a microphone in his hand.
34. He really has never liked sports. But he watches football with my mom because he is sweet.
35. He once dressed up as a UT football player at the Bledsoe Dunlap game. He made the news and the yearbook.
36. He washed the paint off of his very first car because he washed it every single day.
37. He knows everyone. Literally he does. "Oh, your Tom's daughter."
38. My childhood memories consist of going to car shows almost every weekend with my mom and dad.
39. His favorite color is chrome.
40. His favorite Christmas song is "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas" and he will sing it daily during the holiday season.
41. He is the worst fisherman known to man. His stories will have you crying from laughing. Sunk a knife and a boat are a couple off the top of my head.
42. He was my landlord for 7 years after buying me a house to live in while I was in college and grad school. He always mowed my grass.
43. He has no idea what rest, naps, or relax means.
44. His favorite show is the Barrett Jackson car auction.
45. He will never get a clean plate for dessert. Just pile it on top of the remaining spaghetti sauce or chicken and dumplins. "It all ends up in the same place."
46. He has both fallen off and gotten stuck on top of our roof.
47. The only time he has flown is to the Barrett Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.
48. He would help anyone he could out (unless they are a "foreigner" and even then he might would)
49. He could have made millions in all the car repairs and borrowing of tools he has done for other people over the years.
50. He can splice fiber optics, fix cars, and build almost anything. But he cannot work a computer, iPod, TV, DVD player, or cell phone without IMMENSE education first.
51. He once bid on and won 3 big screen TV's on Ebay on accident. That was fun to fix.
52. Don't touch his car. He may scream really loud and then blame it on a bee.
53. He used to love to give me wet willies in my ear. Once I stood and watch him come up behind a girl he thought was me. She turned and gave him the weirdest look and I just waved at him. Got him back for a change!
54. He cares more for others needs than his own and stops at nothing until they are done.
55. He is MY dad. We may have our differences and scary similarities so we don't always get along but I would not trade him for any other.
Happy Birthday, Daddy.
Love your little girl,
April
Friday, April 12, 2013
Who's training who?
Since we got Manning (exactly one year ago this weekend), I have seen similarities in how it would be like raising a child as puppies are quite needy and require a lot of attention/care. So I can see how it would somewhat prepare a couple for a baby. A German Shepherd like mine however, is preparing me for the worst behaved child imaginable. Imagine taking your child to the doctor, and he kicks and yells at every person he sees, trying to show them he is boss. Imagine him nearly pouncing on every new guest you have at your home. Imagine your embarrassment. You feeling like a bad parent. Welcome to my world. Don't get me wrong. I love him. He is photogenic, he is handsome. He lays in my lap and gives me kisses. He loves to play ball. He is a perfect angel at home with just us and Dolly. Public or with visitors, not so much. I kept blaming his "puppy-ness" but we are a little too past that now. This has to be fixed. ASAP.
Manning is testing me daily. He is that kid that says, "what happens if I do this? and this... and this?" pushing me a little more and more. He has literally tried and almost succeeded at controlling me. Well, we can't let that happen so off to one on one specialty behavioral training we go.
Training day one at home:
Manning sat, looked at me and laid down for turkey pepperonis just perfectly in our driveway prior to our walk. I thought, "This is going well just like last night at training class." Loose leash walking? Forget that. My dog is the most hyper active busy dog in the world. "Who is that? What is that? Where are they going? What's that car doing? That dog think he can bark at ME? I will show him!" It never stops. Our normal 15 minute one mile walk took us an hour tonight as I was TRYING (emphasis trying) to make him mind me and be mannerly the entire time while keeping slack in his leash. Talk about an arm workout. My neighbors throughout our subdivision were chuckling at all the correcting, "sit, down, NO, good boys" and Manning yelping from his pinch collar corrections. All I could think was "CHILDREN CANNOT BE THIS HARD TO TRAIN." I mean, at least I am bigger than them for the first 8 years or so. At least I can warn them that they will get grounded and they will understand. At least I can hope they get my genes and are well behaved and listen most of the time. This 70 pound dog can pull me around like it's nothing and I can't threaten to ground him or take way his toys or TV time. Either God is preparing me for the most misbehaved rebellious children in the world or just laughing in spite of himself.
The concept that good ole Freud developed seems so simple. Task complete, give treat. If you have 1,000 repetitions in which to do it. (uh, full time job, direct sales, husband, social life, family, working out, cooking, class reunion planning, church activities, cleaning...need I say more?) Needless to say, I have my hands full.
Don't worry, I won't be doing daily training blogs on his progress. I am mostly just marking this day down in hopes that in two or three weeks I can come back and compare and he has shown improvement. I know he has potential to be trained, but do I? I feel like I am the failure here. I can't train my dog to behave correctly, so how could I be a good mother? Frustrating to say the least. I just keep trying to tell myself that God has His reasoning. God is training me. He is using this experience with Manning to train me to have more patience. To be more diligent, compassionate and understanding. To love and be love. To trust and learn to be trusted. None of us sinners get it right the first time. We often repeat our mistakes. God still loves us. He gives us extra chances to get it right. If God can be patient with me, I can be patient with Manning. If I can get through this training, I may feel as if I can conquer the world.
I urge you, friends to take a look at whatever may be frustrating in your lives. Something that seems to test you. Something you lose patience with. It's that way for a reason. You feel that for a purpose. God would never give us anything we can't handle, as long as we trust and confide in Him. I feel he gives us trials so we lean on Him more. So we learn to trust Him and have more faith.
I am being trained just as much as Manning is. God always has a plan that trumps mine tenfold.
Proverbs 22:6
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Manning is testing me daily. He is that kid that says, "what happens if I do this? and this... and this?" pushing me a little more and more. He has literally tried and almost succeeded at controlling me. Well, we can't let that happen so off to one on one specialty behavioral training we go.
Training day one at home:
Manning sat, looked at me and laid down for turkey pepperonis just perfectly in our driveway prior to our walk. I thought, "This is going well just like last night at training class." Loose leash walking? Forget that. My dog is the most hyper active busy dog in the world. "Who is that? What is that? Where are they going? What's that car doing? That dog think he can bark at ME? I will show him!" It never stops. Our normal 15 minute one mile walk took us an hour tonight as I was TRYING (emphasis trying) to make him mind me and be mannerly the entire time while keeping slack in his leash. Talk about an arm workout. My neighbors throughout our subdivision were chuckling at all the correcting, "sit, down, NO, good boys" and Manning yelping from his pinch collar corrections. All I could think was "CHILDREN CANNOT BE THIS HARD TO TRAIN." I mean, at least I am bigger than them for the first 8 years or so. At least I can warn them that they will get grounded and they will understand. At least I can hope they get my genes and are well behaved and listen most of the time. This 70 pound dog can pull me around like it's nothing and I can't threaten to ground him or take way his toys or TV time. Either God is preparing me for the most misbehaved rebellious children in the world or just laughing in spite of himself.
The concept that good ole Freud developed seems so simple. Task complete, give treat. If you have 1,000 repetitions in which to do it. (uh, full time job, direct sales, husband, social life, family, working out, cooking, class reunion planning, church activities, cleaning...need I say more?) Needless to say, I have my hands full.
Don't worry, I won't be doing daily training blogs on his progress. I am mostly just marking this day down in hopes that in two or three weeks I can come back and compare and he has shown improvement. I know he has potential to be trained, but do I? I feel like I am the failure here. I can't train my dog to behave correctly, so how could I be a good mother? Frustrating to say the least. I just keep trying to tell myself that God has His reasoning. God is training me. He is using this experience with Manning to train me to have more patience. To be more diligent, compassionate and understanding. To love and be love. To trust and learn to be trusted. None of us sinners get it right the first time. We often repeat our mistakes. God still loves us. He gives us extra chances to get it right. If God can be patient with me, I can be patient with Manning. If I can get through this training, I may feel as if I can conquer the world.
I urge you, friends to take a look at whatever may be frustrating in your lives. Something that seems to test you. Something you lose patience with. It's that way for a reason. You feel that for a purpose. God would never give us anything we can't handle, as long as we trust and confide in Him. I feel he gives us trials so we lean on Him more. So we learn to trust Him and have more faith.
I am being trained just as much as Manning is. God always has a plan that trumps mine tenfold.
Proverbs 22:6
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
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