I, therefore, the prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to live worthily of the calling
with which you have been called,
with humility and gentleness,
with PATIENCE,
bearing with one another in love,
making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3
Wow! Sometimes things just SCREAM at me!
If you know me, you know I am not a very patient person. I don't do well with people who "just don't get it". I am easily frustrated and after so much will have an outburst.
Things have gotten better as I have aged.
And having children has helped some as well because I learned early on....they "just don't get it". And they're not supposed to. That doesn't make it any easier some days. The littles try my patience daily. And although I try my hardest to be patient and understanding, some days are better than others. My hardest time comes on days like today when I have places I HAVE to get to. And I've worked the night before.....sleep is lacking and children aren't paying attention. They would rather do other things. So would I most days, but as an adult I don't have the option (how we wish we could have the naivety and carefree life of a child again).
As I was working with Ryan on his school work this afternoon (things he refused to complete in class) I was reminded ever so harshly about patience. I get very frustrated when he does something wrong that I know he can do. He is so smart...sometimes too smart for his own good. He would just sit there and stare at the sheet of paper with a blank look on his face. He knows what to do, but chooses to not. My patience wore thin. I raised my voice some and he began to cry. I've always said I would never win mother of the year award. I am not perfect and I have faults. I felt badly for that. If I would have just taken a step back and a deep breath. Isn't that what I tell him to do when he gets frustrated? Sometimes I should follow my own rules.
Slow down.
Take a step back.
Take a breath.
Say a prayer.
Try again.
God please give me the patience I need as a mom. Some days I am overwhelmed with life and my frustration levels seem to peak at the wrong times. Please give me a sense of peace knowing you are there with your hand on my shoulder, guiding me every step of the way. Help me to be the Christian example of a mom I know you want me to be for my boys. Thank you for what you give to me and the patience you have with me as a human sinner. Your blessings are overwhelming. Amen
Renee
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Nostalgia
Today's post is nothing profound.
For me it's just something from the heart.
Today as I was perusing one of my friend's updates on facebook, I found myself in the same place. You see, she started remembering things from our past. Things from our home town in Newton, MS. A little town of about 3000 people.
It was our own little "Mayberry" of sorts. Everyone knew everyone else.....and everyone's business. We had our own "Barney Fife". His name was Clarence. I don't even know if he's still alive, but if he is, I'm sure he's still driving 10 miles an hour through town just waiting for something big to happen.
There was Hailey's Hardware store on the left corner just as you drove in to town from my house. I remember visiting there many times as a child with my dad. Looking for the perfect bolt or nail to do some sort of wood work. Dad was always using the router and saw for something.
There was a little mom and pop grocery store just next to it. I think is was called Mason's Grocery. We would go in there in get a few things here and there and "put it on the tab". On payday, the tab got paid.
Of course there was The Brass Knob...the ritzy clothes that we couldn't afford. I remember in 3rd grade going in there to get a specific "hang 10 hat" I wanted the blue satin one, but all they had left was green. I got it....my mom paid $10 for it and almost had a heart attack. That was a lot of money back then. Of course I was made fun of because mine wasn't blue like everyone else's, but I had a "hang 10 hat" nonetheless.
There were other little places that stood out like The Rainbow Cafe and Feldman's. I worked in their warehouse when I was in high school for a while. I really enjoyed that because I got first dibs on clothes that came through. I remember buying my first pair of Guess jeans and Tretorn shoes. I need to find another pair of those......
One of my favorite places was the drug store with the ice cream parlor. They had the old fashioned ice cream that was scooped from a bin and made milk shakes. Although we never got a lot of them, it's something I remember vividly.
There was also The Newton Record...our local paper. It is no longer in print, but at the time anything and everything was put in there. From births and deaths, marriages and divorces, and even if you had somebody come to town for a visit. Like I said, everyone knew everyone....and their business.
I grew up going to Calvary Baptist Church and then First Baptist Church as a youth. My life revolved around Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night. We were there every time the doors opened. I went on all of the retreats and trips and stayed for all of the lock-ins on holidays. Oh those were some fantastic times!!! I could tell stories for days about trips we took. The youth/music minister is still there after all these years. I grew up babysitting his children and now they are married and one is expecting her first child, a baby girl.
You know, they say not to look back on the past because it can't be changed. But every now and then you need to take a look. The past is what defines our present. It's what makes us who we are today. Although I choose not to live there now, I wouldn't go back and change a thing about the way I was raised or where it happened. I made wonderful friends and memories all along the way. I grew a strong foundation of Faith in the church. My parents told me no matter what, I could always be whatever I wanted. Some people think that growing up in a small town, you may never get out. But I beg to differ. I left 15 years ago. I stayed and made a life for myself here in Lexington.
And although I love living in a big city and having everything at my fingertips, I do sometimes long for home.
For that comfort of everyone knowing everyone. Knowing that if something happens, your neighbor will always be there.
So now, take a look back.
Be grateful for where you came from and look ahead to where you are going. The future is only as bright as you make it.
The past can't be rewritten, but it can make us stronger. Be thankful for every change, for every heart break, for every scar.
Renee
For me it's just something from the heart.
Today as I was perusing one of my friend's updates on facebook, I found myself in the same place. You see, she started remembering things from our past. Things from our home town in Newton, MS. A little town of about 3000 people.
It was our own little "Mayberry" of sorts. Everyone knew everyone else.....and everyone's business. We had our own "Barney Fife". His name was Clarence. I don't even know if he's still alive, but if he is, I'm sure he's still driving 10 miles an hour through town just waiting for something big to happen.
There was Hailey's Hardware store on the left corner just as you drove in to town from my house. I remember visiting there many times as a child with my dad. Looking for the perfect bolt or nail to do some sort of wood work. Dad was always using the router and saw for something.
There was a little mom and pop grocery store just next to it. I think is was called Mason's Grocery. We would go in there in get a few things here and there and "put it on the tab". On payday, the tab got paid.
Of course there was The Brass Knob...the ritzy clothes that we couldn't afford. I remember in 3rd grade going in there to get a specific "hang 10 hat" I wanted the blue satin one, but all they had left was green. I got it....my mom paid $10 for it and almost had a heart attack. That was a lot of money back then. Of course I was made fun of because mine wasn't blue like everyone else's, but I had a "hang 10 hat" nonetheless.
There were other little places that stood out like The Rainbow Cafe and Feldman's. I worked in their warehouse when I was in high school for a while. I really enjoyed that because I got first dibs on clothes that came through. I remember buying my first pair of Guess jeans and Tretorn shoes. I need to find another pair of those......
One of my favorite places was the drug store with the ice cream parlor. They had the old fashioned ice cream that was scooped from a bin and made milk shakes. Although we never got a lot of them, it's something I remember vividly.
There was also The Newton Record...our local paper. It is no longer in print, but at the time anything and everything was put in there. From births and deaths, marriages and divorces, and even if you had somebody come to town for a visit. Like I said, everyone knew everyone....and their business.
I grew up going to Calvary Baptist Church and then First Baptist Church as a youth. My life revolved around Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night. We were there every time the doors opened. I went on all of the retreats and trips and stayed for all of the lock-ins on holidays. Oh those were some fantastic times!!! I could tell stories for days about trips we took. The youth/music minister is still there after all these years. I grew up babysitting his children and now they are married and one is expecting her first child, a baby girl.
You know, they say not to look back on the past because it can't be changed. But every now and then you need to take a look. The past is what defines our present. It's what makes us who we are today. Although I choose not to live there now, I wouldn't go back and change a thing about the way I was raised or where it happened. I made wonderful friends and memories all along the way. I grew a strong foundation of Faith in the church. My parents told me no matter what, I could always be whatever I wanted. Some people think that growing up in a small town, you may never get out. But I beg to differ. I left 15 years ago. I stayed and made a life for myself here in Lexington.
And although I love living in a big city and having everything at my fingertips, I do sometimes long for home.
For that comfort of everyone knowing everyone. Knowing that if something happens, your neighbor will always be there.
So now, take a look back.
Be grateful for where you came from and look ahead to where you are going. The future is only as bright as you make it.
The past can't be rewritten, but it can make us stronger. Be thankful for every change, for every heart break, for every scar.
Renee
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Trust
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge HIM
and HE will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
These are two verses I learned at a very young age in Bible Drills. And even though the Bible holds many truths, this one stands strong for me.
Many of you know I was married before I met and married Mike.
He was my high school sweetheart. We were destined to be together forever. Or so I thought at the smartest age of 18 :) Through a series of events and 8 years of marriage later, we went our separate ways. It was difficult for me to be on my own for the first time as an adult. I didn't know where to go or how to act. I had never been an adult before that wasn't married.
I had to begin to trust in God even more so at this time in my life. Even though I had been raised in a Christian home and accepted Christ as my Savior when I was 12, I had had my times of wandering. As we all do. We are human. There is no one on this earth that is perfect. But the more I trusted, the more I could see clearly where I was to go in life.
I've had my share of ups and downs in my life and in my marriages, but my faith and trust in the good Lord above is what gives me strength. I know without a shadow of a doubt that leaning on him at ALL times...knowing he is there for ME (little ole me) at ALL times is my life....well, that's what gets me through. I don't just pray when I want/need something. I pray all the time. And it may sound corny to some, but prayer throughout my day is what keeps me going. Whether it's for someone in particular or for something I've seen that breaks my heart.
Are you trusting today?
Are you allowing God to hold your hand? To walk with you on your journey?
Always know you can trust that God's love is there just waiting for you to accept it. He never takes it away.
I am grateful today for the faith and trust I have in Jesus. Without him I wouldn't be who I am today.
Renee
and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge HIM
and HE will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
These are two verses I learned at a very young age in Bible Drills. And even though the Bible holds many truths, this one stands strong for me.
Many of you know I was married before I met and married Mike.
He was my high school sweetheart. We were destined to be together forever. Or so I thought at the smartest age of 18 :) Through a series of events and 8 years of marriage later, we went our separate ways. It was difficult for me to be on my own for the first time as an adult. I didn't know where to go or how to act. I had never been an adult before that wasn't married.
I had to begin to trust in God even more so at this time in my life. Even though I had been raised in a Christian home and accepted Christ as my Savior when I was 12, I had had my times of wandering. As we all do. We are human. There is no one on this earth that is perfect. But the more I trusted, the more I could see clearly where I was to go in life.
I've had my share of ups and downs in my life and in my marriages, but my faith and trust in the good Lord above is what gives me strength. I know without a shadow of a doubt that leaning on him at ALL times...knowing he is there for ME (little ole me) at ALL times is my life....well, that's what gets me through. I don't just pray when I want/need something. I pray all the time. And it may sound corny to some, but prayer throughout my day is what keeps me going. Whether it's for someone in particular or for something I've seen that breaks my heart.
Are you trusting today?
Are you allowing God to hold your hand? To walk with you on your journey?
Always know you can trust that God's love is there just waiting for you to accept it. He never takes it away.
I am grateful today for the faith and trust I have in Jesus. Without him I wouldn't be who I am today.
Renee
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
all shapes and sizes
As weird as this may sound, today I am grateful for my body.
What? you may ask....
I know. I don't have a Victoria Secret model body. I'm not even thin. I think I'm actually considered obese according to my BMI. But you know what? It's my body. This one God has given me to live in and support until my dying day. And I am able to move. There are so many people in this world that aren't able to. I walk, run, and dance my heart out teaching Zumba Fitness anywhere from 4-6 times a week. WOW!!! I am blessed!!!!
Being a group fitness instructor has allowed me to see and be seen. People look at me almost every day. My job is to encourage and support people on their journey of fitness. Most of the people in my classes see me as the "real" instructor. I think because I am not that stick skinny, barbie doll leading the class that everyone looks at and says, "wow, I wish I could look like that". What most people don't realize is their body type (those skinny instructors) is their's and their's alone. And most of them have been doing this for 20+ years. I mean, if you worked out for a living for 20 years you'd probably look that way too.
I've only been teaching for a year, but it has changed my body shape immensely. Yes, I was a gym and group fitness junkie for years before I ever began teaching, but it took losing weight for me to be able to say, "okay, now I can do this". Oddly enough, I have the physical stamina that could out move some of those cute little stick figures running around the gym in their "undies". You know the ones.....that wear nothing but the bra and a pair of shorts. But anyway...my shape has changed. And even though I've gained a few pounds (which I vow to lose, plus some), my body shape is the same. I work hard at what I do and want people to know that we, our bodies, are a work in progress. Changes don't happen over night, or even over a week. Change takes time. As much as we want to blink and lose 50 lbs., it's just not going to happen.
So today, be grateful for the body you have been given by the good Lord above. They come in all shapes and sizes. He made you and knows every part about you.
Take care of it and work on it slowly....
one day at a time.....
And one day, you too, will see and change in your shape and size.
Hope you've had a wonderful Wednesday.
Renee
What? you may ask....
I know. I don't have a Victoria Secret model body. I'm not even thin. I think I'm actually considered obese according to my BMI. But you know what? It's my body. This one God has given me to live in and support until my dying day. And I am able to move. There are so many people in this world that aren't able to. I walk, run, and dance my heart out teaching Zumba Fitness anywhere from 4-6 times a week. WOW!!! I am blessed!!!!
Being a group fitness instructor has allowed me to see and be seen. People look at me almost every day. My job is to encourage and support people on their journey of fitness. Most of the people in my classes see me as the "real" instructor. I think because I am not that stick skinny, barbie doll leading the class that everyone looks at and says, "wow, I wish I could look like that". What most people don't realize is their body type (those skinny instructors) is their's and their's alone. And most of them have been doing this for 20+ years. I mean, if you worked out for a living for 20 years you'd probably look that way too.
I've only been teaching for a year, but it has changed my body shape immensely. Yes, I was a gym and group fitness junkie for years before I ever began teaching, but it took losing weight for me to be able to say, "okay, now I can do this". Oddly enough, I have the physical stamina that could out move some of those cute little stick figures running around the gym in their "undies". You know the ones.....that wear nothing but the bra and a pair of shorts. But anyway...my shape has changed. And even though I've gained a few pounds (which I vow to lose, plus some), my body shape is the same. I work hard at what I do and want people to know that we, our bodies, are a work in progress. Changes don't happen over night, or even over a week. Change takes time. As much as we want to blink and lose 50 lbs., it's just not going to happen.
So today, be grateful for the body you have been given by the good Lord above. They come in all shapes and sizes. He made you and knows every part about you.
Take care of it and work on it slowly....
one day at a time.....
And one day, you too, will see and change in your shape and size.
Hope you've had a wonderful Wednesday.
Renee
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Health
Today I am grateful for the health of my children.
I was able to carry two beautiful sons to term without much complication (yes I had HELLP with Ryan, but at least I was far enough along he didn't have a NICU stay). Both came out big, strong, and healthy and except for a glitch here and there, they've stayed that way.
In my job as a labor and delivery nurse, I see all aspects of a person's delivery. I've delivered everything from non-viable 16 week babies to full term babies that died before having a chance to live in the outside world. I've delivered the small preemies that have had to stay in the NICU for days on end and beautiful healthy full term babies that have been wanted for so long.
Every time I see something that goes wrong, my heart breaks for the family.
When something goes perfectly, I weep with joy.
My boys are my life. I am thankful for the life they have....and the life they give me in return. I am thankful that they can smile and laugh. That they can run around. That they can talk back to me (even when I don't want them to).
There are many parents that can't say this....and on this day I am grateful that I can.
Hug your kids tightly today. Let them know how important they are to you and to this world.
We have one life, once chance to live it.
Renee
I was able to carry two beautiful sons to term without much complication (yes I had HELLP with Ryan, but at least I was far enough along he didn't have a NICU stay). Both came out big, strong, and healthy and except for a glitch here and there, they've stayed that way.
In my job as a labor and delivery nurse, I see all aspects of a person's delivery. I've delivered everything from non-viable 16 week babies to full term babies that died before having a chance to live in the outside world. I've delivered the small preemies that have had to stay in the NICU for days on end and beautiful healthy full term babies that have been wanted for so long.
Every time I see something that goes wrong, my heart breaks for the family.
When something goes perfectly, I weep with joy.
My boys are my life. I am thankful for the life they have....and the life they give me in return. I am thankful that they can smile and laugh. That they can run around. That they can talk back to me (even when I don't want them to).
There are many parents that can't say this....and on this day I am grateful that I can.
Hug your kids tightly today. Let them know how important they are to you and to this world.
We have one life, once chance to live it.
Renee
Monday, January 2, 2012
Heat
"Thank you mom" I heard as Ryan ran in the door from the school bus this afternoon.
"For what?" I asked.
"It's warm in here"
Yes, the arctic air has hit the bluegrass today in all it's splendor. The high is 30 and the wind is blowing. I'm not sure what it makes the wind chill, but it's cold to your bones when you go outside.
So today I'm grateful for something called heat. I am fortunate to be able to have a home to heat in this kind of weather. There are plenty of people who don't have a place called home that is warm. Their home is a box under a bridge or on the side of the street somewhere. Some may get a place warm to sleep at night at the Salvation army or a shelter, but have to leave during the day. Can you imagine if your power went off and you had no warmth? Imagine that 100 times worse and that's what those people feel.
So today, be grateful for your heat. For the warm home you get to come in to after being outside. Even if you've only been out from the garage to inside and felt the winter's chill, you have it so much better than some.
Some days it's just the little things.......
"For what?" I asked.
"It's warm in here"
Yes, the arctic air has hit the bluegrass today in all it's splendor. The high is 30 and the wind is blowing. I'm not sure what it makes the wind chill, but it's cold to your bones when you go outside.
So today I'm grateful for something called heat. I am fortunate to be able to have a home to heat in this kind of weather. There are plenty of people who don't have a place called home that is warm. Their home is a box under a bridge or on the side of the street somewhere. Some may get a place warm to sleep at night at the Salvation army or a shelter, but have to leave during the day. Can you imagine if your power went off and you had no warmth? Imagine that 100 times worse and that's what those people feel.
So today, be grateful for your heat. For the warm home you get to come in to after being outside. Even if you've only been out from the garage to inside and felt the winter's chill, you have it so much better than some.
Some days it's just the little things.......
Sunday, January 1, 2012
The wagon
Today is New Year's Day
The beginning of a new year
I love how people make 1000 different resolutions. Here's the thing. Choose 2 or 3 to stick to and not so many random in a list! And make it realistic people! It's like those people that come in with a birth plan and don't want anyone touching them or their baby. You should have delivered at home!! Anyway....make it something that is real, for you. Something that can really be attained. And make it small in the beginning. It doesn't have to be anything big. If you want to lose weight, just start at 5 or 10 pounds then move up from there. Saying you want to lose 100 pounds over the next year sounds daunting. Choose to say, "living a healthier lifestyle" and it will come. Changes, although we wish they would, do not happen overnight. Stick with a plan, knowing that you will eventually fall off the wagon. The good thing, is that you can always get back on.
So today I am thankful for that little wagon. I've had my share of ups and downs in the weight department. I need to lose a few more. My lifestyle has changed so much with Zumba fitness and for that I am grateful. It's helped me stay on the wagon more often than not and to help others stay on as well.
I've said it more than once, that I am the only one that has been or will ever be created. God created me with this DNA that I have to care for the rest of my life. My goal is to live a healthy lifestyle so that I can be around for my children.
I have the wagon.....sometimes I'm off, sometimes I pull it along, and other times I'm riding in the middle of it.
I made this to share today in my 75 minute Zumba fitness class this afternoon and forgot to do it. I was too excited to be teaching that long. Some of this came from strongisthenewskinny.blogspot.com and others from other people.
"Negativity and doubt will build a wall that stands between us and the changes we want to make. Calling yourself fat won't make you thiner. Telling yourself that you can't, won't get you closer to your goals. Making excuses and trying to find shortcuts doesn't make growth any easier. Don't ever give up! If you can't fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, keep moving forward.
Greatness takes courage.
Be brave!
Be bold!
Be ready!"
Are you ready?!?!
Find your wagon this year and get on it!!!
Happy New Year's
Renee
The beginning of a new year
I love how people make 1000 different resolutions. Here's the thing. Choose 2 or 3 to stick to and not so many random in a list! And make it realistic people! It's like those people that come in with a birth plan and don't want anyone touching them or their baby. You should have delivered at home!! Anyway....make it something that is real, for you. Something that can really be attained. And make it small in the beginning. It doesn't have to be anything big. If you want to lose weight, just start at 5 or 10 pounds then move up from there. Saying you want to lose 100 pounds over the next year sounds daunting. Choose to say, "living a healthier lifestyle" and it will come. Changes, although we wish they would, do not happen overnight. Stick with a plan, knowing that you will eventually fall off the wagon. The good thing, is that you can always get back on.
So today I am thankful for that little wagon. I've had my share of ups and downs in the weight department. I need to lose a few more. My lifestyle has changed so much with Zumba fitness and for that I am grateful. It's helped me stay on the wagon more often than not and to help others stay on as well.
I've said it more than once, that I am the only one that has been or will ever be created. God created me with this DNA that I have to care for the rest of my life. My goal is to live a healthy lifestyle so that I can be around for my children.
I have the wagon.....sometimes I'm off, sometimes I pull it along, and other times I'm riding in the middle of it.
I made this to share today in my 75 minute Zumba fitness class this afternoon and forgot to do it. I was too excited to be teaching that long. Some of this came from strongisthenewskinny.blogspot.com and others from other people.
"Negativity and doubt will build a wall that stands between us and the changes we want to make. Calling yourself fat won't make you thiner. Telling yourself that you can't, won't get you closer to your goals. Making excuses and trying to find shortcuts doesn't make growth any easier. Don't ever give up! If you can't fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, keep moving forward.
Greatness takes courage.
Be brave!
Be bold!
Be ready!"
Are you ready?!?!
Find your wagon this year and get on it!!!
Happy New Year's
Renee
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)