I've Been Screaming for a Candy Bar

"Who are you? And what have you done with my mother?" Those are Collin's words last night when I bought ice cream, root beer, and then let each child pick their own candy to eat while we watched a video.

My only excuse for my uncharacteristic behavior? I've been living my life lately like a child.

Not just any child. I've been living like a child who is screaming in the grocery store for a candy bar. And I've been loud, angry, and indignant that I'm not getting what I want. Perhaps if I indulge my children I'll feel less pain. Maybe?

Or...(unrelated to candy)

I've been living like the Jews during the New Testament looking for a "Saviour" but not recognizing him in my midst.

I've been wanting desperately for someone to come and "SAVE" me from all my problems.

Thank goodness, it's times like these that help me remember that Christ IS my personal Saviour who will be with me through all my problems.

Today I felt God's love in my life. It's always there, I just don't always feel it. I felt forgiveness where I'd been carrying anger. I felt gratitude where I'd been holding grudges. And I felt peace instead of the anxiety that's been plaguing me.

"I can do all things in Christ, who strengthenth me."

And so can you when you put your faith in Him.

Candy, root beer, and ice cream are optional.

A conversation with my mom

My mom is here for a few days visiting from TX. We had a conversation the other night that went something like this.

Mom: It's depressing here. We've had some cold days in Texas when it got down in the '50's, but THIS is much colder and more miserable.

Me: Yea, I know it's like 25 degrees out.

Me: But, Mom, the weather isn't that bad here if you really embrace it. I'm finding ways to enjoy being out in the mountains and it's amazing. Like, when I was out snowshoeing. It was awe inspiring. You really have to get out above the inversion where you can enjoy the beauty of it. Immerse yourself in it and it's not so bad.

Mom: I think that's what I've been trying to tell you about your life right now. Stop fighting against everything you hate about it and embrace it.

Me: Hmmm.

I haven't said this to her yet, but...I know you're right mom. Thanks.

So, how can I get working full-time to feel more like snowshoeing up a beautiful mountain and less like getting splashed by cars as they go whizzing by me as I trudge through the streets?

Enlivening

Enlivening. Is that a word? Today I went snowshoeing and the only word I can come up with to describe it is enlivening. Ok, I could use words like recharged, one with nature, awakened, and they each nearly describe my experience in the mountains today. But the word I like best to describe how I felt at the top of the crest, is enlivened.

Why? Because I've been struggling. This week several times I've burst into tears in the middle of the day and I have to talk myself into getting it together again. Sometimes I have a few days like this in a row. For whatever reason, I struggle right now with just about everything about my life. Yes, my horrible hormones play a role. Yes, I know we have to endure hard things to become stronger. Yes, I know some people have lives with worries much greater than mine. But...this week I felt like I'm struggling to survive. I'm guessing you've had days or weeks like this too. Many of you know what it's like to ache, and worry and struggle with painful emotions. I know you do.

Well, I'm giving you permission (as if you needed my permission) to do something that will ENLIVEN you. I don't know what your thing is, but you probably do. And if you don't know what your thing is, I'll recommend mine.

Go out in nature, get your blood pumping, talk to a friend and enjoy the beauty around you, because you know what...being alive and enjoying it feels great!

Mom's Favorite Things

I've never been to Time Out for Women, but I'm pretty sure I would like it.

This is part of a clip from Hillary weeks performance. A mom's favorite things. Click here.

Enjoy!

Sharing a Link

Just want to share a link to a post that was recently emailed to me.

Small and Simple Things is the name of the blog.

I want to share it with all. Some of you are going through hard times too. Regardless of your circumstance I think you'll like the reminder and the hope that this author shares.