Submission is Grace Mixed with Humility

Blessedly, I grew up in a home where my father was the “head-of-the house.” My mother was (and continues to this day), to carry out the role of the loving, nurturing, supporting, and silent back-bone of the family. For some people, this seemed to be a little dated, and questioned why marriage couldn’t be equal. Nonetheless, this was how I was raised. Surprisingly, it never seemed out of the ordinary to me.

Having‘definitive’ roles for both my parent’s was a way-of-life in our house. My father was very dominate, stern, and firm; while my mother was very passive, docile, doting and submissive. At times, as a youngster coming up, I felt that this was not necessary. I can recall many times I felt that my mother was a ‘weak-minded’ woman, and wondered why she would subject herself to this type of treatment. To me, it was as though my father would treat her like she was ‘inferior’ or of a lower estate than him. Being that I was void of understanding, it was really difficult for me to watch how their relationship unfolded, and progressed. Yet, while it troubled me—my mother was remarkably very happy with her life!

Growing up in a Christian home, my father routinely sat down with us, as a family, and had family bible study. Of course as a kids, you can imagine that we (my siblings and I), usually zoned out and often wondered why we had to be present. I guess you could say “typical” kid behavior. He consistently taught us about marriage from God’s perspective and the proper structure of the family which consisted of: God, the man, the woman, and then the children—in that order specifically. Yes, I believed that God was first priority; I just had a difficult time with the remaining order of the family. I can only attribute that way-of-thinking to my youth and the fact that I was not married. Not realizing the life-lessons he so faithfully worked to instill in us--I couldn’t envision how those same life-lessons would impact my life in years to come.

In today’s society, the words ‘submission’ or ‘submissive’ are viewed as archaic, antiquated, out-of-date, and old fashioned values that no one uses anymore. In my opinion; however, the “new and modernistic” means to a successful marriage screams nothing short of “disaster!” Despite the fact that it’s common knowledge that the odds of having a successful marriage by today’s standards garners a less than 50% chance of survival—when there is are ‘definitive roles’ in a marriage, it certainly helps to maintain a healthy balance, and all the team-players know which moves to make to keep the family running like a well-oiled-machine.

In Essence, we’ve all heard the term “Kill them with kindness.” This, essentially, is almost the same concept. Humility does not boast, humility is kind, humility nurtures and soothes, humility is meekness that is shrouded in amenableness and is docile in it’s approach. Coupled with grace, elegance in it’s purest and rawest form. It is by nature, a manifestation of good will that is thoughtful act of choice.

I’m still in awe of the grace and elegance that my mother has always purveyed. What was once a sign of weakness, in my opinion, has displayed itself as a trait of celebrated inner strength. One for which I strive to attain. It was through her submission to God, my father, and with a heart of humility--she has has taught me the principals of true virtue.

Strength for the day…

Technorati Tags: Tired,weary,rest,blessings,encouragement,God,Christian

There are days that everyone feels a little tired, weary, and they can find no rest for their souls. Yet, we must continually move on and take care of life’s responsibilities. When those times manifest during my day, I have to rely on the word of God within my heart. So, for those of you who have experienced one of those moments—I’ll leave you with this word of encouragement:

Isaiah 40:31 NIV
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on the wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

May your day provide the rest you need. Blessings n’ Grace to you!

Mommy’s High Heel Shoes is Such a Delightful Read!

Several years ago I had the opportunity to run a family-based, community book reading program appropriately titled “Share a Story & Raise a Reader. It was such a delight to be able to giveaway, read, and share, well-written books with the neighborhood children. I can honestly say that being involved with this program was one of the greatest highlights of my career!

Along with story time, we would also include a variety of interactive activities that correlated with all of the stories that were read during story time. Rightfully so, the kids had a blast, and so did I! Most of the time, I tried to keep my excitement under wraps while the kids ran around with excitement. Let me tell you, it was really, really hard! Thus, my passion for books and reading was constantly rekindled with each reading session. Today, I still experience the same ‘warm and fuzzy’ feeling when I find a great book.

So, imagine my excitement when I received a complimentary copy of Kristie Finann’s new book (from Kristie, and a recipe for the most scrumptious Banana bread you’d ever want to sink your teeth into),

Mommy’s High Heel Shoes

which proved to be such a delightful read that’s certain to create a reading frenzy for your little ones as well as the youngest of readers. Initially, my first attraction to the book was the word ‘Shoes;’ (as I am an avid shoe lover, hence the name) then, the colorful, energetic, vivid and whimsical illustrations of the book were simply adorable!

As a child growing up, I was fascinated that my mom had so many different types, styles and colors of shoes. I, too, would put on my mommy’s shoes, make-believe I was her, and mimic her actions as I imagined where each pair of shoes would take me for the day. In our house, my mother made reading a top-priority, and by doing so it inspired our imagination as well. I’m ever so grateful to my mother for instilling those values in me. I’ve passed those same values to my kids, too!

Mommy’s High Heel Shoes serves as a fond reminder of what it was like as a child exploring her closet, and it conveys the message in a fun, simple manner that mommy has many ‘roles,’ and she can wear a different pair of shoes as she carries out each one. However, her most important job is being a “mommy!”

Kristie’s book is a must-read for any mother, grandmother, or parents interested in an engaging way of “Sharing a Story and Raising a Reader.”

Technorati Tags: Children's book,working moms,working mothers,imagination,children,play,kids books

When I Grow Up, I Want To Be Me

I’m sure that many people today have probably envisioned in their heads the person they’ve always aspired to be. I know for me, I’m never fully satisfied with my current ’state-of-me.’ Although I feel like I’m a pretty good ‘me’- I’m certain that the very best ‘me’ is still yet to be revealed.

Each blessed day I awake, I look forward to learning something new, and I make every effort to instill the same values in my children. It’s my hope that I do something that will provide exemplify a helpful example, a lasting impression, or a word that will help them to see that life should be enjoyed to the fullest. To show them that they have a whole world at their fingertips.

When they were small I’d encourage them to be loving to others, to be not just hearers–but doers, as well as givers. I’d tell them that everyone deserves a measure of respect, and that kindness should come as naturally as second-nature to them. Hopefully, supplying them with all the tools they need to be good, wholesome, and decent individuals. As I aspire to be a better me, I pray that my children will also recognize that striving to be better is a life-long process that will never be easily conquered in this life. It takes discipline, self-denial, the ability to focus, with determination and God.

Technorati Tags: Discovery,personality,vision,aspiration,growth,wisdom,exploration

Being the woman I aspire to be is a work in progress…

See you on the other side…

My future ‘me.’

“As thou knowest not what is the way of spirit, nor how the bones do grow of her that is with child; even so thou knowest not works of God who maketh all.” (Ecclesiastes 11:5)

A Recession Can Save You Money?

Can we really save money in a recession? Yes, you can! (Hey, almost sounds like an Obama campaign slogan!) Yes, we are into a full blown recession, still!

Nonetheless, I was in a state of fascination at the government’s failure to responsibly acknowledge the facts last year. Nope! Most Americans are NOT rocket scientists (to me it seemed that the powers-that-be held this opinion), anyone; however, could’ve figured that out all by themselves! Yet, many people have found creative ways to thwart the effects of the recession as we’re all aimlessly searching for more ways to save money and produce more income.

Have you ever stopped to think that some of the most creative ideas have come from just plain ole ‘everyday people?’ if you’re anything like me, I’m literally counting all my pennies and I love it when I come across innovative and common sense ideas. Even though we may have similar monthly expenses—food is a staple of common ground we share collectively.

If saving money is of a great concern to you—check out this video. She fondly recalls her memories as a child, and how her family dealt with the effects of the “Great Depression.” I know I could learn a thing or two from her life’s experience. She could literally be everyone’s grandmother. I think you’ll like her, and she is simply adorable. Plus, her tips as well as simple recipes could literally save you some dough! Pun intended.

Technorati Tags: Cost-cutting,cuisine,money-savers,low-budget,recipes,grandmothers,depression era,recession,creative,ideas

Looking For Pennies…

In this economy, everything we focus on should be with the thought of economizing! Yes, it’s true. This word has now become a part of my daily vocabulary. As we constantly focus on more ways to save money, maybe we should just simply dumb it down a bit. Like many of you, I remember all of the ‘careless’ days of spending money just because we could. Now, things are so different. You really have to evaluate if your purchase is a need or a necessity. Isn’t it amazing how fast things can change?

Years ago, I used to see my daddy walk around looking at the ground. It seemed a little odd to me at the time. Then, one day I just had to ask: “Daddy, what are you looking for and why are you always looking down at the ground?” He said: “I’m looking for money.” I thought, why in the world would anyone look for money on the ground? Well, as it turns out, my dad told me that many people often throw out their pennies. They’d place them on top of vending machines making no effort to retrieve them, or they’d leave them lying around anywhere. Even though they’re worth one cent, some folks just don’t see a need to keep a bunch of pennies or loose change on their person.

I’m sure many of you remember the old idiom: “A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned.” Today, it literally takes one penny at a time to survive in this economy. Today, I’ve adopted the same habit of looking down at the ground. Whenever someone asks me why am I looking at the ground? I simply respond: “I’m looking for pennies.”

Technorati Tags: Penny,Pennies,Saving Money,Life lessons

When Life Hands You Lemons…

Technorati Tags: lemons,lemondade,choices,decisions,changes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nowadays, it seems that life has been freely handing us a few choices we’d rather not have to deal with. Yet, even in the midst of all this, there are some that will use adversity as a stepping stone to liberate themselves from it all, and rise above it. Personally, I admire those people and always seek to discover their hidden secret to success.

Anyone that knows me well knows that I am a keen researcher. I love the quest for knowledge, and searching out information. Thus, my interest in those who find ways to surpass difficulty along, with trying circumstances fascinates me! Therefore, it was it was all the more important for me to seek an answer as to why I felt like I was so unhappy. I’ll start here:

Shortly after I married my husband, I had to relocate from the only place I’ve ever known as home. At first, when we moved there, I hated it! It was a small rural area, I knew no one, my closest family was almost seven hours away, and we were newly married. You know how it is. Still getting to know one another, we’d ‘saved’ ourselves for marriage as well. So, there was a little mystery there, too! Yes, it was exciting, awkward and scary all at the same time. However, after moving to a new area, it seemed difficult enough just moving from a big city to the “sticks”—I had to learn my way around, we were in the process of building a new house, and the kids were having a hard time adjusting to our blended family unit. Mommy was too! I just tried not to let on and keep up appearances all while feeling like I was slowly dying inside. Nevertheless, as mom’s, we try to hold it all together for the sake of the ‘kids.’ Now, fast forward seven years later…

Within the last few months, my husband received a promotion located on another Air Force base facility, and my family and I were going to have to make the long distance move, and return closely to the area where I was born and raised. The move was sudden, and my husband had to leave before the family in order to in-process as well as report for duty. I stayed behind to pack up the house. That was the first time we had had to live a part other than for a family visit or summer vacation. The move was not only daunting and exhausting, it was also heart wrenching, too. . But, you do what you have to do. Honestly, I was really happy for him as he’d wanted this job for the past 4 – 5years. Finally, he’d gotten the job he had wanted so desperately. He asked me how I felt about it all, beaming with such excitement and enthusiasm. How could I have said anything less than “I’m so happy for you, sweetheart?” 

Well, the time had finally come. While in route to our new home and destination, I looked out of the window, crying profusely as we backed out of the driveway; I turned my head making every effort not to look back. Then, I took my iPhone out of my purse to capture a picture of the road ahead. The road looked long and bleak. At the time, this is what I saw.

 

 

 

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As we drew nearer to our new home—the bucket of lemons that seem so heavy, at first, began to lighten. After such a long ride, I got out of the car, and let out a long sigh. All I wanted to do was take a shower and lie down. I was totally exhausted!

The next day, my focus was a little clearer, and good nights sleep does wonders. As I began to look around the house, and take note of what would be placed where; I stopped for a moment and thought about how I could overcome what I’d perceived to be an adverse situation.

Then, I realized that my past was behind me. I could either be held hostage to the past, or I could trust God for my future, knowing that He knows what’s best for me! I was focusing so much on what I left behind, that I couldn’t see that God has a greater purpose for my future.

How do you overcome difficulty? Trust that God is in command, and without doubting, He will take care of you.

When life hands you lemons-- make lemonade!

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)