Good and bad there is a time and place for everything.
Most of the people that know me, know I am a planner. I like for things to go a certain way at certain times. I write "to do" lists almost every day. I have calendars out the ying yang because I don't want anything getting missed. Even when I was pregnant wit Ryan, I sent my parents a list of directions on how to get to the hospital from the BG parkway and from I-75 at different times of the day or night. I even went to far as to tell them which lane in which to drive. I like things to go like clockwork.
But, if you know me, you know that doesn't always happen. When I had children I learned that timing couldn't always be, well, "timed" There is no planning with children. I mean, you can plan all you want, but if there is a dirty diaper just before you are to leave, well it may set you back a few minutes (especially in the event of a blow out). Don't you hate being late? Being the one that everyone turns to stare at when you walk in 10 minutes late.......
And things can't be rushed. Children have to be paced to do things. There has to be structure in life for things to flow well. And while it's nice to be a little early, it's not the end of the world to be on time.
So here's my thing about timing. There is a time and purpose for everything. Thank you Bible and The Beatles. If everything flows well and you're on time great. But say you're running late and then you're stuck in traffic. What you may not realize is that 10 minutes earlier there was a massive wreck on the same road you are traveling. You might have been part of that wreck had you not been running behind. Same thing if you're ahead of schedule.
God's timing is perfect. He has a reason for you to do certain things at certain times. Even though we don't always understand why things happen when they do, he knows. He planned this long before we were ever created.
So today I'm grateful timing. I'm thankful for the ways he has used me in times even when I didn't want to do something. I've been called in to work and ended up doing a most beautiful delivery. I've taken care of wonderful families when they've lost a child. It's all part of God's timing and I have to remember that.
I don't know what the good Lord has planned for me in the future......or if I even have a future.
But I do know this. God's timing is the most perfect timing of all. No matter what he does for me or you, there is a reason. So sit back and relax. God has it under control.
Renee
Monday, January 30, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Prayer
"With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit,
and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and requests for all the saints."
Ephesians 6:18
Prayer comes in many forms.
From the time I was a child, I was taught:
"Now I lay me down to sleep,
the Lord I pray my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take
Amen"
I've taught both of my children to pray that same prayer somewhat changing the last two lines to
"may angels watch me through the night, and keep me in their blessed sight"
Regardless of how it is finished, it's a prayer to God that I wanted my children to learn.
As Ryan has gotten older, he has started his own prayers, and I usually finish them at night. It is sweet to hear him talk to God in his own way. But what's even better is the example he has set for his little brother, Alex. Even now on some nights Alex will begin his prayers with, "Thank you God for this day......" The first time it popped out of his mouth tears were flowing. I know he doesn't completely understand the importance of what he is saying, but I know it won't be long and he will. For that I am truly grateful.
As I got older I began to pray differently. Being raised in a Baptist church a lot of the prayers are the same and you could always tell what was going to be said and when they were about to be wrapped up (thank heavens some times).
But a few years ago I began seeing prayer in a different way. Not just as a few repetitious words, but as a conversation. It was a time for me to pour out my heart and let God have it ALL. To be grateful and thankful, but also repentant and ask for forgiveness. We are sinners remember....
And I pray often, throughout the day. For my family, friends, and even for my patients. Some that are just depressed for long days in the hospital or those that are sick. For those that have lost children, or the baby is not well. I've even prayed with patients before they go back for a c-section if they request. Or if the family is praying, I don't leave. I love my God and what he can do through prayer.
That being said, I have a special prayer request today. I have a friend far away that has a very sick child. He has been in and out of the hospital and right now the reason for his sickness is unknown. I want to you to pray for him, for his parents as they see their child struggle, and for the doctors and nurses that are caring for him. Pray that there will be answers and they can all get some rest, knowing God is taking care of them.
God, you know their needs. Please hold them tightly and give them peace and rest. Amen
Thank you for your prayers,
Renee
and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and requests for all the saints."
Ephesians 6:18
Prayer comes in many forms.
From the time I was a child, I was taught:
"Now I lay me down to sleep,
the Lord I pray my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take
Amen"
I've taught both of my children to pray that same prayer somewhat changing the last two lines to
"may angels watch me through the night, and keep me in their blessed sight"
Regardless of how it is finished, it's a prayer to God that I wanted my children to learn.
As Ryan has gotten older, he has started his own prayers, and I usually finish them at night. It is sweet to hear him talk to God in his own way. But what's even better is the example he has set for his little brother, Alex. Even now on some nights Alex will begin his prayers with, "Thank you God for this day......" The first time it popped out of his mouth tears were flowing. I know he doesn't completely understand the importance of what he is saying, but I know it won't be long and he will. For that I am truly grateful.
As I got older I began to pray differently. Being raised in a Baptist church a lot of the prayers are the same and you could always tell what was going to be said and when they were about to be wrapped up (thank heavens some times).
But a few years ago I began seeing prayer in a different way. Not just as a few repetitious words, but as a conversation. It was a time for me to pour out my heart and let God have it ALL. To be grateful and thankful, but also repentant and ask for forgiveness. We are sinners remember....
And I pray often, throughout the day. For my family, friends, and even for my patients. Some that are just depressed for long days in the hospital or those that are sick. For those that have lost children, or the baby is not well. I've even prayed with patients before they go back for a c-section if they request. Or if the family is praying, I don't leave. I love my God and what he can do through prayer.
That being said, I have a special prayer request today. I have a friend far away that has a very sick child. He has been in and out of the hospital and right now the reason for his sickness is unknown. I want to you to pray for him, for his parents as they see their child struggle, and for the doctors and nurses that are caring for him. Pray that there will be answers and they can all get some rest, knowing God is taking care of them.
God, you know their needs. Please hold them tightly and give them peace and rest. Amen
Thank you for your prayers,
Renee
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Things
Things
They come in many shapes and sizes. And they can include everything from the smallest toy to the largest home.
As I sit here typing this from Mike's newest thing (an iPad he got for Christmas) I am reminded of how many "things" we have. Last night as Ryan was saying his prayers, he thanked God for the things we have and the fact that we can pay for things we need as well as want sometimes. I always finish the prayers and made mention that it could all be gone in the blink of an eye. That if there were to be a fire or an act of God that we could lose it all. Ryan started crying.....mostly because he got scared of there being a fire in the house (and what if I can't get out?). But for him, I think it helps to put it in perspective.
But things are just things. Yes, it would be an adjustment if the things were taken away. Even when we were at Fall Creek Falls in TN and had very limited Internet and phone access, we survived. Was it an adjustment? Yes! Of course it was! But we learned to enjoy each other even more.
So tonight, look around at your "things". I know you can't take it with you, but are you overdoing "things"? Do your kids understand that these are not as important as your treasure in heaven.
For no matter what you have on earth, it's more important what you have stored up for yourself in the afterlife. My home will one day be in heaven and these things will be useless to me. I enjoy them now, but know in the grand scheme of life they're not all that important.
Where are your priorities? Do you have your "things" in order.
Just a thought......
Renee
They come in many shapes and sizes. And they can include everything from the smallest toy to the largest home.
As I sit here typing this from Mike's newest thing (an iPad he got for Christmas) I am reminded of how many "things" we have. Last night as Ryan was saying his prayers, he thanked God for the things we have and the fact that we can pay for things we need as well as want sometimes. I always finish the prayers and made mention that it could all be gone in the blink of an eye. That if there were to be a fire or an act of God that we could lose it all. Ryan started crying.....mostly because he got scared of there being a fire in the house (and what if I can't get out?). But for him, I think it helps to put it in perspective.
But things are just things. Yes, it would be an adjustment if the things were taken away. Even when we were at Fall Creek Falls in TN and had very limited Internet and phone access, we survived. Was it an adjustment? Yes! Of course it was! But we learned to enjoy each other even more.
So tonight, look around at your "things". I know you can't take it with you, but are you overdoing "things"? Do your kids understand that these are not as important as your treasure in heaven.
For no matter what you have on earth, it's more important what you have stored up for yourself in the afterlife. My home will one day be in heaven and these things will be useless to me. I enjoy them now, but know in the grand scheme of life they're not all that important.
Where are your priorities? Do you have your "things" in order.
Just a thought......
Renee
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Rest
Are you kidding?
This is one of the hardest things for me to do. I am pretty much on the go constantly. But as part of my new year's resolution, I am slowing down.
I am creating rest. I have to make myself slow down.
I keep myself from going to the gym.
On those days, I don't create "to do" lists.
I just live a little haphazardly (sp?). I sometimes have lunch with Mike or go get a mani/pedi. I do something for me. Sometimes (more often than not), I take a nap. And those are some of the best spent hours of my day.
You know, even God rested on the 7th day?
So I try to rest....and listen. Part of slowing down for me is listening more to what God has in store for my life. I've been so blessed over the past 39 years and I know it's because I've prayed and listened. But the older I become and the more responsibilites I have, I need to listen even more. God is not haphazard. He knows exactly what he has planned on EVERY day of my life. Amazing thought isn't it? That God knows what you're going to do 24/7, 365.... but he does.
Today I want to you stop, rest, and listen. Give God a chance to tell you something and do something great in your life today.
"I will place my breath in you and you will live; I will give you rest in your own land. Then you will know that I am the LORD. I have spoken and I will act, declares the LORD" Ezekiel 37:14
Renee
This is one of the hardest things for me to do. I am pretty much on the go constantly. But as part of my new year's resolution, I am slowing down.
I am creating rest. I have to make myself slow down.
I keep myself from going to the gym.
On those days, I don't create "to do" lists.
I just live a little haphazardly (sp?). I sometimes have lunch with Mike or go get a mani/pedi. I do something for me. Sometimes (more often than not), I take a nap. And those are some of the best spent hours of my day.
You know, even God rested on the 7th day?
So I try to rest....and listen. Part of slowing down for me is listening more to what God has in store for my life. I've been so blessed over the past 39 years and I know it's because I've prayed and listened. But the older I become and the more responsibilites I have, I need to listen even more. God is not haphazard. He knows exactly what he has planned on EVERY day of my life. Amazing thought isn't it? That God knows what you're going to do 24/7, 365.... but he does.
Today I want to you stop, rest, and listen. Give God a chance to tell you something and do something great in your life today.
"I will place my breath in you and you will live; I will give you rest in your own land. Then you will know that I am the LORD. I have spoken and I will act, declares the LORD" Ezekiel 37:14
Renee
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Parenting
I hate being the parent some times.
It's just tough.
As I sit here watching this show, "America's Supernanny" I am in awe. I see a child so out of control and my heart breaks for these parents. I have a son with ADD and it is soooo hard some times. I know how this mom feels. How horrible she felt in the beginning because she didn't know if it was the medicine not working or the ADHD. Because she loves her children.
I know mom.
I love my kids too.
But I was just like you. I tried to be the nice mom. I tried to be the one to say, "please do ...." I tried to be the nice one and not be the "Hitler" parent. Granted, my son never was disrespectful enough to tell me to die, but we had our own set of issues. We've been through it as well.
After years of medication and behavioral therapy, we're finally in a place of happy medium most days. We still have off days. He gets upset and so do I. Some days I fly off the handle and I shouldn't. Some days I raise my voice and I feel badly for it. But I am human and I make mistakes. For the most part though, we're all happy.
Through all this, I've learned a lot about myself. I've learned I am stronger than I ever thought. I've learned it's okay to be the "director" and not the "friend". That was the hardest for me to learn. Because you see, I grew up with "Hitler". If it was to be done, it was to be done 5 minutes ago. I didn't want to raise my kids that way. I didn't want my children to be scared of me. But that's where I made the mistake. It wasn't fear they needed, but respect for me. For me as an adult and as their parent. And even though as a child I didn't like being told what to do and having such a demanding father, I understand now how important that was at the time. I respected my parents (I didn't say I was perfect). And now I respect them even more. I've realized how hard raising children really is.
I think I turned out okay.
I pray to God every day to make me a better mother. Make me more patient. Let me give them the guidance I should in a Christian way.
Best of luck moms!!! Stay strong!!!
It's just tough.
As I sit here watching this show, "America's Supernanny" I am in awe. I see a child so out of control and my heart breaks for these parents. I have a son with ADD and it is soooo hard some times. I know how this mom feels. How horrible she felt in the beginning because she didn't know if it was the medicine not working or the ADHD. Because she loves her children.
I know mom.
I love my kids too.
But I was just like you. I tried to be the nice mom. I tried to be the one to say, "please do ...." I tried to be the nice one and not be the "Hitler" parent. Granted, my son never was disrespectful enough to tell me to die, but we had our own set of issues. We've been through it as well.
After years of medication and behavioral therapy, we're finally in a place of happy medium most days. We still have off days. He gets upset and so do I. Some days I fly off the handle and I shouldn't. Some days I raise my voice and I feel badly for it. But I am human and I make mistakes. For the most part though, we're all happy.
Through all this, I've learned a lot about myself. I've learned I am stronger than I ever thought. I've learned it's okay to be the "director" and not the "friend". That was the hardest for me to learn. Because you see, I grew up with "Hitler". If it was to be done, it was to be done 5 minutes ago. I didn't want to raise my kids that way. I didn't want my children to be scared of me. But that's where I made the mistake. It wasn't fear they needed, but respect for me. For me as an adult and as their parent. And even though as a child I didn't like being told what to do and having such a demanding father, I understand now how important that was at the time. I respected my parents (I didn't say I was perfect). And now I respect them even more. I've realized how hard raising children really is.
I think I turned out okay.
I pray to God every day to make me a better mother. Make me more patient. Let me give them the guidance I should in a Christian way.
Best of luck moms!!! Stay strong!!!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Love
My name is Renee and I am an addict.
There I said it.
I love The Bachelor on ABC. I have watched every season since it's inception and have a great time every Monday night it is on. I enjoy watching the guys and girls pine for that "perfect mate". How they "fall in love" in a matter of weeks. Lust more like it, but that's what makes the show. Granted, I really feel there are some that are truly in it for the long haul; Really looking for more than fame and getting noticed. But how cool is it to be chosen and then go on these great exotic trips? Wow, that would be nice. (Although, I did get engaged in Paris, France and spent my honeymoon in Germany).
But love is more than just a few dates and a few kisses.
Love is tough. It's not always easy loving like we should.
It's called loving unconditionally.
Do you really know what that's like?
If you have children, you do. You know you would do anything in the world for that little being. And no matter what they do, even though they may disappoint, you will NEVER not love them. You may not like them for a few moments, but the love is always there.
I was lucky enough to be raised with that type of unconditional love. My parents loved me no matter what. Yes, I did things that disappointed them. I lied, ran around behind their backs (and yes they know this), and got caught. And although sometimes I felt the punishment was more than fitting for the crime.....they still loved me.
And you see, that's the way God sees us.
No matter what we've done. No matter where we've been. God on high knows exactly what has happened, and loves us regardless. My heart is overwhelmed when I think about that. So many people is this day and age just don't get that and my heart breaks for them.
I make mistakes.
I'm not perfect by any stretch of the imagination.
But I am loved.................UNCONDITIONALLY.
So are you.
God has his arms open for anyone that wants to come to him. For you to surrender it all and let him love you fully and deeply.
Today I am grateful for that love he has for me and I have for him.
Blessings,
Renee
There I said it.
I love The Bachelor on ABC. I have watched every season since it's inception and have a great time every Monday night it is on. I enjoy watching the guys and girls pine for that "perfect mate". How they "fall in love" in a matter of weeks. Lust more like it, but that's what makes the show. Granted, I really feel there are some that are truly in it for the long haul; Really looking for more than fame and getting noticed. But how cool is it to be chosen and then go on these great exotic trips? Wow, that would be nice. (Although, I did get engaged in Paris, France and spent my honeymoon in Germany).
But love is more than just a few dates and a few kisses.
Love is tough. It's not always easy loving like we should.
It's called loving unconditionally.
Do you really know what that's like?
If you have children, you do. You know you would do anything in the world for that little being. And no matter what they do, even though they may disappoint, you will NEVER not love them. You may not like them for a few moments, but the love is always there.
I was lucky enough to be raised with that type of unconditional love. My parents loved me no matter what. Yes, I did things that disappointed them. I lied, ran around behind their backs (and yes they know this), and got caught. And although sometimes I felt the punishment was more than fitting for the crime.....they still loved me.
And you see, that's the way God sees us.
No matter what we've done. No matter where we've been. God on high knows exactly what has happened, and loves us regardless. My heart is overwhelmed when I think about that. So many people is this day and age just don't get that and my heart breaks for them.
I make mistakes.
I'm not perfect by any stretch of the imagination.
But I am loved.................UNCONDITIONALLY.
So are you.
God has his arms open for anyone that wants to come to him. For you to surrender it all and let him love you fully and deeply.
Today I am grateful for that love he has for me and I have for him.
Blessings,
Renee
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Dreams
Are you a dreamer?
I certainly am. I am one of those people that dream and wake in the middle wondering what would have happened.
But this post is about other dreams. This one is about dreams for your life.
You see, I was always raised with the thought put in my head to dream big. You can do whatever you want to do in life. There is nothing stopping you, but YOU! Everyone really does have the same opportunities in this life. If you come from the richest of rich or the poorest of poor, if you work hard enough you can achieve your dream.
I've have always worked for what I wanted. I had loans and pell grants to pay for school. I had scholarships that I used to pay for book and other items. I didn't have parents that paid my way. And in a way, that was a good thing. I didn't go and blow 4 years of college to finish without a degree or clue of what I wanted to do. When I went, I knew what I wanted and I worked hard to attain it.
I say this because of what Ryan said tonight at dinner. He has decided he no longer wants to be a paleontologist.( he doesn't want to have to go to Australia, he says) He's chosen another direction. He wants to be a scientist. I love that! I love that my son dreams big. I love that my son understands he can do whatever he wants. BTW, he wants to be like one of the people on his favorite fish shows.....part scientist, part detective, part angler........okay son, whatever.
Do you have dreams?
What are you doing to attain them?
Are you really working hard for what you want in life?
Pray about it and let God lead you where you need to go.
Renee
I certainly am. I am one of those people that dream and wake in the middle wondering what would have happened.
But this post is about other dreams. This one is about dreams for your life.
You see, I was always raised with the thought put in my head to dream big. You can do whatever you want to do in life. There is nothing stopping you, but YOU! Everyone really does have the same opportunities in this life. If you come from the richest of rich or the poorest of poor, if you work hard enough you can achieve your dream.
I've have always worked for what I wanted. I had loans and pell grants to pay for school. I had scholarships that I used to pay for book and other items. I didn't have parents that paid my way. And in a way, that was a good thing. I didn't go and blow 4 years of college to finish without a degree or clue of what I wanted to do. When I went, I knew what I wanted and I worked hard to attain it.
I say this because of what Ryan said tonight at dinner. He has decided he no longer wants to be a paleontologist.( he doesn't want to have to go to Australia, he says) He's chosen another direction. He wants to be a scientist. I love that! I love that my son dreams big. I love that my son understands he can do whatever he wants. BTW, he wants to be like one of the people on his favorite fish shows.....part scientist, part detective, part angler........okay son, whatever.
Do you have dreams?
What are you doing to attain them?
Are you really working hard for what you want in life?
Pray about it and let God lead you where you need to go.
Renee
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