one day

Today marks the one year anniversary of the death of a friend's father. It was very unexpected. It happened during a tornado warning while they were in the basement. Her mom had run upstairs to get something and when she returned he was gone. Less than 5 minutes and God had called him home.

Life is so full of unexpected events. God has said no one knows what the next moment holds. And that truth rings true all the time.

So many times we see a life cut short because of some crazy circumstance no one ever imagined. We've had a few lately of young people killed while driving. One that wasn't wearing her seat belt. Such a senseless way to die. But you know, it really doesn't matter. We all have an appointed time to die......we just don't know when.

Today at Church they sang the song "Be O.K." by Ingrid Michaelson. I've been a fan of hers for some time and really do love the song. It talks about just being okay today. Being okay with who you are and what's happening in your life. I feel like that's the way I try to live my life. Just be okay. I'm alright that I'm still a work in progress. I'm okay with what God has given me......there are many people who have and live with way less. I'm okay with today, because one day, there won't be a me. One of those unexpected events may come my way. Not that I'm ready to die or leave my family, but in the event, at least I know where I am going when my time comes. I know that one day I will be in a place of complete healing. No more pain or sorrow, no more deception and hatred. I will see people who have passed long before me. Some days I think about that and am overwhelmed at the thought of how good and perfect Heaven will be for me.

And I know not everyone believes this, but just think about it. Would you rather spend an eternity in perfection or doomed to a fiery hell? This sounds like a no brainer to me. Think about your one day when you leave this earth.

Be okay today with what you have and don't live like the person you aren't. Let people remember you for who you really are and not what people thought you were.

Be a blessing to someone today. Live as though it's your last.

Renee

friends and beautiful days

Today I am grateful for the beautiful days we have had and the opportunity to spend it with friends.

I met Michelle and her three kiddos for a lunch and afternoon at the park. And although the kids got tired, hot, and fussy.....and let's face it so did Michelle and myself, we still had a good time. It's amazing how even though we haven't seen each other since Christmas, we picked up just like we talk every day.

The kids have grown so much and we loved watching them play. Alex ran until his heart was content. Even when we came home, we still stayed outside for him to kick his ball and ride his bike. Thank heavens for sunscreen, because his fair little skin definitely needed it on this 85 degree day. Can you believe it? 85 degrees in April!!!!! (That makes me so excited to think we will get out of school on time this year!!!!)

So, thank you God for the time I got to spend with my friend. We are not promised tomorrow, so I'm glad we chose to do this today.

Hope you are having a blessed day as well,

Renee

for...

Beautiful skies.....

Sunny afternoons....

Windy days....

Summer right around the corner....

Just the little things in life that keep me going :)

just thankful

It's been a while since I've posted. Between work, life, and sick kiddos the last few weeks have been a bit of a blur. I'm thankful now that all are on the mend and life is returning to a somewhat normal state.

Today we were able to go to the park......middle of March, 69 degrees, and beautifully sunny skies! These are the times for which I am just thankful.

Daddy

As a child, especially a female, we look to our daddy for a lot.

They are our knight in shining armor. They hold our hands when we walk. They tuck us in to bed at night. They hold us when our hearts get broken. And they hug us so tightly some times we can't breathe.

I am who I am a lot because of my dad.

But just not my earthly dad. (although I love him lots!)

I am who I am because of my heavenly dad. My father in heaven. The man who created me and gave me life.

As we finished up our series at Church today, they were interviewing people from the church on how this series had affected them. One guy's comment really hit home for me. He talked about how he is watching his daughter struggle to become someone. You know, just to find out who she really is. And he wanted her to know that she could come talk to him any time. That he is always available any time she needs a listening ear. His love is unconditional regardless of what she has to say.

God is the same way!!!

He watches us all the time come in to ourselves. He is always around waiting to talk, to listen, to give advice.....when we're ready to listen ourselves.

There in lies the key. As kids, listening to earthly parents a lot of times goes in one ear and out the other. We don't really want to hear what they have to say. It's only when we really and truly want help that we listen. That we do as we're told. Knowing all the while it's what is right for us.

My heavenly father is available 24/7, 365. And I am talking, and listening. I may not always understand, but I know that he will direct me in the way that is right for me.

Are you talking and listening to your heavenly father?

Take your time and open your heart. Be ready to listen.

Renee

3 A's

I took this post from last Sunday's sermon. We've been doing a series on "The Story of God and You". It's been an awesome series (just like all of ours, actually). But this one in particular I thoroughly enjoyed.

1) A-Appetite:
We all have an appetite for things. But are all those things we have an appetite for, the things we crave.....are these things that are honorable to God? To our body? I'll be completely honest... a lot of things I've put in my body over the years was not really taking care of my "temple". This body is the only one I have and i have to use it and take care of it to the best of my ability. Food aside....there are other things people crave. Things on television, computer. Are the things we take in always honorable to God?

2) A-Affirmation:
We all enjoy it when people like us. Pat us on the back. Do you feel like you have to create drama for people to respond to you? We think too much about "Do people think I'm good?" We look for our identity too much instead of resting in the peace God gives. There is no explanation needed for that. That's pretty sufficient.

3) A-Ambition:
So many people are imprisoned in the addiction for ambition. How to get ahead quicker and be better than everyone else. "keeping up with the Jones'" when I was growing up. Ambition is good as long as it's God given. Why try so hard to be something you aren't? You/I should be at peace. Life is not always what it seems....we have to learn to rest in that which God has given us. For myself as a semi-young adult, this has been the hardest for me. Growing up I had so many dreams of things I wanted. The big house with the big picket fence. The best cars. The prettiest decorations for my home. After all these years I have learn to be content in what I have. My house isn't huge, but it fits the needs of my family. My car isn't sporty, but it's pretty and gets me where I need to go. I don't have diamonds on every finger. I have one that means the most to me and that's all I need. God has provided in ways I never thought possible. So much that I've been able to cut back and not work full time anymore. I can be a mom....which is what I've always wanted to do.

So today, I am grateful for what Griff taught last week. The 3 A's were so pertinent to life, my life.

My God has provided so graciously for me.

I am so truly blessed,
Renee

thankful

Today I am just thankful.

I have a home and a job that allows me to pay for it.

I have a car that works.

I have two beautiful sons.

I am alive and healthy.

What more could I need?

Thank you God for giving me what I need. I truly would have nothing without you.

Renee