Decisions

God promises us that if we live lives of sacrifice we will be blessed. I decided to take a leap and believe God at His Word. He is God, after all. I took a step toward some new behaviors and routines today. I refrained from some old habits, things that kept stepping in-between God and me. I went without them tonight. I have before, but tonight it was the beginning of what I hope will be a long hiatus. I have refrained from making this decision numerous times before. I have always been scared to give up these things that have become like crutches to me. I often feel life would be dull and unbearable without them. But, God promises we will be blessed for such sacrifices.
He didn’t disappoint. I don’t believe He ever does; not really. I have already had a few surprises tonight. I checked my work email from home and had a couple answers to prayer. I have two chaperones to come on the dreaded lock-in with me Friday night. I have all the Sunday school teaching positions filled. Would all of this still have happened if I hadn’t decided to follow God tonight? Probably; I believe we have a gracious and loving God. Does the fact that these things happened tonight encourage me on my path? Of course. Thank you God for helping me to see that you truly are faithful, and life really is better when we follow you.
I just hope I don't easily forget what this feels like...

A Revelation

Sometimes revelations can come in strange forms. I was watching Beastly the other night (yes I still like to watch teen movies), and I was surprised how the general theme of the movie spoke to me. I felt called to embrace my life, which is filled with numerous blessings and to be the best me that I can be in my current situation. It was an eye-opener for me.
All throughout my life I have been an imaginative person. I had an imaginary friend when I was very young, named Bubba. In elementary school, middle school, and even high school I would often create people in my head and pretend I was them. For most of my life I have had some sort of fantasy going on inside my head. I used it, at times, to escape reality. I think people would be surprised if they knew how many times I was pretending to be someone else when they were talking to me.
Recently I have started writing, and I am thankful that I have the imagination I have because it has helped me to develop characters and storylines. I was letting myself slip into a dangerous place though. I started thinking about what would happen if I actually got my book published. What if my middle school youth are right and it becomes a movie? Would I be rich? What would I do with all my money? Where would I live? What cool places would I visit? These thoughts started to swarm my brain like a pack of greedy bees. I started to get nervous about being published, and I wanted all the things I started dreaming about.
I am so relieved that God spoke to me through a movie like Beastly. I am truly, incredibly blessed. I have a daughter who has the most gorgeous smile and a laugh that fills me with joy. I have a patient and silly husband who is constantly making me laugh. I could go on and on about all the blessings in my life. I can’t believe I let those thoughts about a new life consume me for as long as I did. Thank you, Lord and thank you, Beastly. I am embracing the life I have and I hope to live it well and help others along the way.

Why am I blogging...

I have decided to start a blog...not sure if any one will read it but that is okay with me...for now. My reasonging is twofold. My first reason is that I like sharing some of the things I think during the day and I don't think my "friends" on facebook should be required to read them when they aren't interested.  It is one of my pet peeves when people post thier random thoughts and opinions on political, religious, and other matters as their status and I am forced to read them when I log into my homepage. I don't want to subject my "friends" to that. So, I have created a blog for people who may actually want to read my thoughts. Like I said...I am okay if that is no one.
My second reason is that I have started writing more and may want to share some thoughts and ideas with people in the future. Plus, I hear it is always a good idea to have some sites if you ever want to get published. But, that is a long way off.
Maybe this blog will just be more like a journal for me. I can always make Ellie read it when she gets older. Isn't that what kids are for? Ha!
If you happen to find your way on here, I hope you enjoy what you read. Feel free to comment.