Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Winter Snow
Sunday, November 18, 2012
The Little Drummer Boy
It's the story of a little drummer boy that tugs at my heart about this time every year.
He was probably not much older than the King of the universe that sat before him, and like Jesus he was a poor boy. A poor boy who had no gift that was fit for a King. But he wanted so badly to present a gift to the Messiah that he asked if he could do the one thing he knew he could do well. The one thing he loved to do. He wanted to give his best to Jesus.
So he played his drum...pa rum pa pa pum... The animals kept time with him... pa rum pa pa pum
pa rum pa pa pum rum pa pa pum...
He played his best for him and then He smiled at him. The King of the universe smiled at him.
Such a simple story about a simple boy who brought such a seemingly simple gift. As simple as it seems to bring our best to the Lord no matter what it is we tend to :
Make excuses... oh this gift isn't fit for a king so I just won't give anything
Get too distracted to even go to see the King... too busy, too tired, too ____________
Worry too much about what others will think
Give half hearted...
Our God, the Messiah, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Holy One is worthy of our best gifts no matter how seemingly simple they may be. God sees the heart not the gift itself.
1 Samuel 16:7 and Psalm 139:23-24
So he played his drum...pa rum pa pa pum... The animals kept time with him... pa rum pa pa pum
pa rum pa pa pum rum pa pa pum...
He played his best for him and then He smiled at him. The King of the universe smiled at him.
Such a simple story about a simple boy who brought such a seemingly simple gift. As simple as it seems to bring our best to the Lord no matter what it is we tend to :
Make excuses... oh this gift isn't fit for a king so I just won't give anything
Get too distracted to even go to see the King... too busy, too tired, too ____________
Worry too much about what others will think
Give half hearted...
Our God, the Messiah, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Holy One is worthy of our best gifts no matter how seemingly simple they may be. God sees the heart not the gift itself.
1 Samuel 16:7 and Psalm 139:23-24
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Therapy
I am not sure how many of you have experienced the weeks leading up to the holidays in a classroom setting with precious children who just can't contain their excitement any longer but still have lessons to be learned, seat work to complete, and tests to take, but I assure you it will change your life. You will understand why teachers get 1 week off for Thanksgiving and 2 weeks off for the holidays!
I feel after today (and the potential for more days this week to be like today) I will need some intense therapy during my week off to prepare for the intense weeks of excitement and busy schedules that lead up to the Christmas holidays.
Retail therapy: A must (especially since I have done VERY little of my Christmas shopping.
Message therapy: A girl can dream can't she!
Aromatherapy: Ahh the wonderful smells of the season filling up a cozy home!
Spa therapy: facials, manicures, pedicures, hair cut and style...oh once again I am a dreamer!
Yummy in my tummy therapy: Thanksgiving...YUM!
Cuddle, snuggle therapy: Sweats, big fuzzy socks, a warm blanket, a cuddle buddy (probably Reese the niece:)), fire, a nice warm drink, and a good Christmas movie.
Dance therapy: I have some fun weddings coming up (and some days where I'll be home alone;))
Running therapy: Pounding the pavement is a wonderful way to escape!
If you have any other suggestions for therapy please let me know! I will need every bit I can get;)
I feel after today (and the potential for more days this week to be like today) I will need some intense therapy during my week off to prepare for the intense weeks of excitement and busy schedules that lead up to the Christmas holidays.
Retail therapy: A must (especially since I have done VERY little of my Christmas shopping.
Message therapy: A girl can dream can't she!
Aromatherapy: Ahh the wonderful smells of the season filling up a cozy home!
Spa therapy: facials, manicures, pedicures, hair cut and style...oh once again I am a dreamer!
Yummy in my tummy therapy: Thanksgiving...YUM!
Cuddle, snuggle therapy: Sweats, big fuzzy socks, a warm blanket, a cuddle buddy (probably Reese the niece:)), fire, a nice warm drink, and a good Christmas movie.
Dance therapy: I have some fun weddings coming up (and some days where I'll be home alone;))
Running therapy: Pounding the pavement is a wonderful way to escape!
If you have any other suggestions for therapy please let me know! I will need every bit I can get;)
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Randomness...
So it's been quite awhile!! Since I can't seem to make one cohesive post come together (believe me I have tried multiple times:)), I am just going to throw out some random realizations I have had lately. Maybe it will give me the jumpstart I need to get back in the swing of things...
* Pinterest makes me want to stay home and cook soups and holiday goodies from now until after Christmas and have sweet friends over to share these treats with and play games with and chat about life and watch movies together. It SHOULD make me want to do Christmas bulletin boards and Christmas crafts but that is not the case. Oh help us all when it comes time for me to execute those Christmas crafties:).
* I have miraculously been quite disciplined in my workouts lately. Unfortunately this makes me ALWAYS hungry!! I am a bit of a bottomless pit;) So needless to say I am now working on being more disciplined in my eating and on being more self-controlled.
* It always amazes me how much I need to practice what I preach. In second grade, students are learning to have self-control, which as #2 states I am currently in need of. Of course, theirs comes more in the area of blurting out, making better choices etc. Then there's "Pay attention" "Watch where you are going" "slow down"which I tell myself these same things after the school day is done.
* The Lord will send you the precious encouraging words you need at just the right time. It of course always seems to be through the most unexpected sources and at the most unexpected times! I have been so blessed to have a couple of these in the past week!
* I ate dinner and a treat and am still hungry...currently practicing that self-control stuff:)
* I have a wedding this coming weekend. I think that means dance party every afternoon to prepare... Song suggestions welcome!
* Pinterest makes me want to stay home and cook soups and holiday goodies from now until after Christmas and have sweet friends over to share these treats with and play games with and chat about life and watch movies together. It SHOULD make me want to do Christmas bulletin boards and Christmas crafts but that is not the case. Oh help us all when it comes time for me to execute those Christmas crafties:).
* I have miraculously been quite disciplined in my workouts lately. Unfortunately this makes me ALWAYS hungry!! I am a bit of a bottomless pit;) So needless to say I am now working on being more disciplined in my eating and on being more self-controlled.
* It always amazes me how much I need to practice what I preach. In second grade, students are learning to have self-control, which as #2 states I am currently in need of. Of course, theirs comes more in the area of blurting out, making better choices etc. Then there's "Pay attention" "Watch where you are going" "slow down"which I tell myself these same things after the school day is done.
* The Lord will send you the precious encouraging words you need at just the right time. It of course always seems to be through the most unexpected sources and at the most unexpected times! I have been so blessed to have a couple of these in the past week!
* I ate dinner and a treat and am still hungry...currently practicing that self-control stuff:)
* I have a wedding this coming weekend. I think that means dance party every afternoon to prepare... Song suggestions welcome!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
When to speak and when to be silent
I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 where it talks about there being a season for everything. Verse 7 says there is a time to speak and a time to be silent. I don't think that I really have realized this little truth until lately.
Lately I feel like the Lord has had me in a season silence. Most would say, Morgan you are quiet enough and others would say well it's about time:). I was working through some things, preparing for a new year of school, searching my heart on some matters, and it was quite a lonely time. Friendships were distant, mostly just life getting in the way, and I would sit at the end of the day simply needing someone to hear me out, listen to the burdens of my heart. But God took that a way for a time. I was not pleased to say the least, but of course looking back, I am so thankful! In fact, I would wake up the next morning so thankful that I didn't subject some sweet friend to all of that :). But more than that I am thankful because the Lord was showing me how I needed to bring my burdens to Him first and foremost and how much I was seeking comfort and answers from the wrong places. Don't get me wrong...I am the first to say how important friends are and how blessed I am with precious friends, Godly friends and that it is wonderful to be able to share the depths of your heart with them! God gives us one another for that purpose, to share life together. But I need to bare my heart to the Lord first and then allow Him to show me what I can share with those He has blessed me with.
Another way I have seen the Lord call me to make sure I am speaking when I should and remaining quiet when I should is in ministry. Looking back I too often see times when I spoke just to break the awkward silence in a Bible study, not really speaking from the heart, but simply trying to help the Bible study leader not feel like a failure. Lately I have realized how much time I need to really gather my thoughts on things. I need like a day. So if you really want to hear how I actually feel about something deep on a matter of the heart and not just the first thought I have that I spout out (most likely from nerves), Lay it out there for me and then let's go have a coffee date:) Ok so the point is , I just want my words to count, I want to choose them carefully, I want them to be a reflection of my heart. Not to mention I want them to make sense, catch me off guard and there's no telling what kind of non-sense you are going to have to sort through;)
Remember once the words are said you can't take them back.
Lately I feel like the Lord has had me in a season silence. Most would say, Morgan you are quiet enough and others would say well it's about time:). I was working through some things, preparing for a new year of school, searching my heart on some matters, and it was quite a lonely time. Friendships were distant, mostly just life getting in the way, and I would sit at the end of the day simply needing someone to hear me out, listen to the burdens of my heart. But God took that a way for a time. I was not pleased to say the least, but of course looking back, I am so thankful! In fact, I would wake up the next morning so thankful that I didn't subject some sweet friend to all of that :). But more than that I am thankful because the Lord was showing me how I needed to bring my burdens to Him first and foremost and how much I was seeking comfort and answers from the wrong places. Don't get me wrong...I am the first to say how important friends are and how blessed I am with precious friends, Godly friends and that it is wonderful to be able to share the depths of your heart with them! God gives us one another for that purpose, to share life together. But I need to bare my heart to the Lord first and then allow Him to show me what I can share with those He has blessed me with.
Another way I have seen the Lord call me to make sure I am speaking when I should and remaining quiet when I should is in ministry. Looking back I too often see times when I spoke just to break the awkward silence in a Bible study, not really speaking from the heart, but simply trying to help the Bible study leader not feel like a failure. Lately I have realized how much time I need to really gather my thoughts on things. I need like a day. So if you really want to hear how I actually feel about something deep on a matter of the heart and not just the first thought I have that I spout out (most likely from nerves), Lay it out there for me and then let's go have a coffee date:) Ok so the point is , I just want my words to count, I want to choose them carefully, I want them to be a reflection of my heart. Not to mention I want them to make sense, catch me off guard and there's no telling what kind of non-sense you are going to have to sort through;)
Remember once the words are said you can't take them back.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Butterflies
I am a bit of a Nervous Nelly these days. Butterflies have been my constant companion the past week or so. My brain is on overload, which means it also gets burned out and shuts down completely;). I am not a fan of the feelings of nerves. I don't really stress out (Key to not letting yourself get stressed out: Remember high blood pressure is bad for your health and stress gives you wrinkles and makes you age... plus stress doesn't help to solve things), anyways but I do get NERVOUS far too easily! Like butterflies in the tummy, can't think straight, clammy hands, verge of tears at unpredictable moments NERVOUS!
I feel like it has been even worse lately, or maybe I just have forgotten what this time of year is like...CRAZY. Not to mention I don't do well with pressure situations...I get overwhelmed and, you guessed it, NERVOUS easily!
Well thankfully I have a God who reminds me that He is near, even in the smallest of things! Like I said this past week has been a bit nerve racking for me in so many ways, but I have seen God's precious reminders that He goes before me and is in control. You may not find the following things very miraculous but for this Nervous Nelly, they have been the very things I needed to still those fluttering butterflies! How great it is to know that we serve a God who knows exactly what each of us needs to find calm in Him!!
Event 1. I "misplaced"(put them in a place I would never have looked but at the time must have thought was safe for these valuable slips of paper) my receipts for school supplies so that I could be reimbursed. By the grace of God I came across them when I wasn't even looking for them, had a little party and have since put them right where they belong!
Event 2: Jury duty: A duty that every citizen "should" be excited to have the privilege to serve in but gives this Nervous Nelly terrible butterflies at the thought of not knowing what exactly I am getting into. Get there Tuesday and they say the case was settled late the night before WOOHOO...turned around and hightailed it outta there before they changed their minds;)
Event 3: Name tags: a little way to let those kiddos know where their bottoms need to be in the classroom that is a bit of work for the teach to get prepared for the first day of school. Pick out the name tags to match the room, write all of their names in your best handwriting, spell check, get them laminated, cut them out, and place those kiddos strategically around the room. Once again in my efforts to be organized (which is wearing me out because it is a major effort for a scatterbrain like myself, just come check out my in-the-process-of being-organized classroom closet) I "misplaced" them in another completely random place in an effort to keep them "safe" and again when I gave up the hunt, by God's grace I found them, and again I had a party in my classroom for any and all passerbys to witness!!
Like I said, I don't expect these stories to stop you in your tracks or to be stories that I will rave about for years to come, but they are answered prayers and for that I will rave a bit about my loving Father! I love that I can bring things that may seem small to us to the Lord and He cares! Even when they seem silly, He hears and He cares! So much has been on my mind these past couple weeks, and I definitely needed this reminder of something so "basic" in my faith, simply bring your worries and cares and concerns to the Lord and trust Him with them. I am also reminded to see God in the day to day, I want to see God and be reminded of Him all the day long, even when life seems a bit mundane.
I feel like it has been even worse lately, or maybe I just have forgotten what this time of year is like...CRAZY. Not to mention I don't do well with pressure situations...I get overwhelmed and, you guessed it, NERVOUS easily!
Well thankfully I have a God who reminds me that He is near, even in the smallest of things! Like I said this past week has been a bit nerve racking for me in so many ways, but I have seen God's precious reminders that He goes before me and is in control. You may not find the following things very miraculous but for this Nervous Nelly, they have been the very things I needed to still those fluttering butterflies! How great it is to know that we serve a God who knows exactly what each of us needs to find calm in Him!!
Event 1. I "misplaced"(put them in a place I would never have looked but at the time must have thought was safe for these valuable slips of paper) my receipts for school supplies so that I could be reimbursed. By the grace of God I came across them when I wasn't even looking for them, had a little party and have since put them right where they belong!
Event 2: Jury duty: A duty that every citizen "should" be excited to have the privilege to serve in but gives this Nervous Nelly terrible butterflies at the thought of not knowing what exactly I am getting into. Get there Tuesday and they say the case was settled late the night before WOOHOO...turned around and hightailed it outta there before they changed their minds;)
Event 3: Name tags: a little way to let those kiddos know where their bottoms need to be in the classroom that is a bit of work for the teach to get prepared for the first day of school. Pick out the name tags to match the room, write all of their names in your best handwriting, spell check, get them laminated, cut them out, and place those kiddos strategically around the room. Once again in my efforts to be organized (which is wearing me out because it is a major effort for a scatterbrain like myself, just come check out my in-the-process-of being-organized classroom closet) I "misplaced" them in another completely random place in an effort to keep them "safe" and again when I gave up the hunt, by God's grace I found them, and again I had a party in my classroom for any and all passerbys to witness!!
Like I said, I don't expect these stories to stop you in your tracks or to be stories that I will rave about for years to come, but they are answered prayers and for that I will rave a bit about my loving Father! I love that I can bring things that may seem small to us to the Lord and He cares! Even when they seem silly, He hears and He cares! So much has been on my mind these past couple weeks, and I definitely needed this reminder of something so "basic" in my faith, simply bring your worries and cares and concerns to the Lord and trust Him with them. I am also reminded to see God in the day to day, I want to see God and be reminded of Him all the day long, even when life seems a bit mundane.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Where is beauty found?
I am a girl, therefore I enjoy a nice new outfit and having a good reason to wear it! What girl doesn't want to look and feel beautiful. Boys let me just fill ya in, in case you just joined us from some foreign planet. There isn't a girl out there who doesn't want, no I am sorry, who doesn't NEED to know she is beautiful! Princess or tomboy, they need to know it, need to hear it. God has placed in our hearts the desire for beauty!
I do believe it is important to see yourself as beautiful on the outside, but I believe much of that beauty begins on the inside. Here is where I believe true beauty begins:
A beautiful mind: Set your mind on things above. Think on things that are pleasing to the Lord. Be positive. Take thoughts captive that are not glorifying to the Lord and don't allow them to take root.
Philippians 4:8-9
Beautiful eyes: 1. Be on guard about what you allow yourself to see. I think mostly of movies and television, media in general. This is a vital part of protecting and guarding your heart. 2. Keep your eyes on the skies. Seek the Lord in all you do. Allow Him to be your focus! 3. See people with the eyes of Christ. See not the outer appearance, but the heart.
Luke 11:34
Psalm 121:1
1 Samuel 16:7
Beautiful lips: Let no unwholesome speech come from your lips. Be an encourager. Be someone who uplifts others. Stand up for what is good and right and holy. And always be praising the Father. You can't help but speak about the things you love! Make a joyful noise to the Lord. The words that you speak are a reflection of your heart. (There are so many verses on this, but here are just a few.)
Psalm 34:1
Ephesians 4:29
Titus 3:2
Proverbs 15:1
Luke 6:45
Beautiful hands: Be a servant, a worker. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Maybe they are even a little rough and calloused from much toiling.
Matthew 25:34-40
Proverbs 31
Beautiful feet: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. GO! To the neighbor, to your co-worker, to your family member, to your friends, to the ends of the earth. Whoever God calls you to.
Isaiah 52:7
I will strive to not measure my beauty by the world's standards. I will take care of this body the Lord has blessed me with and present myself in a way that reflects that. I will measure beauty against God's Word and seek an inward beauty that radiates outwardly.
Ladies seek a beauty that reflects Christ, not the world. Guys seek a beautiful lady that reflects Christ, not the world. And with a quick reference to ole "Magic Mike", ladies, seek a man who reflects Christ and not the world.
Love you all,
Morgan
I do believe it is important to see yourself as beautiful on the outside, but I believe much of that beauty begins on the inside. Here is where I believe true beauty begins:
A beautiful mind: Set your mind on things above. Think on things that are pleasing to the Lord. Be positive. Take thoughts captive that are not glorifying to the Lord and don't allow them to take root.
Philippians 4:8-9
Beautiful eyes: 1. Be on guard about what you allow yourself to see. I think mostly of movies and television, media in general. This is a vital part of protecting and guarding your heart. 2. Keep your eyes on the skies. Seek the Lord in all you do. Allow Him to be your focus! 3. See people with the eyes of Christ. See not the outer appearance, but the heart.
Luke 11:34
Psalm 121:1
1 Samuel 16:7
Beautiful lips: Let no unwholesome speech come from your lips. Be an encourager. Be someone who uplifts others. Stand up for what is good and right and holy. And always be praising the Father. You can't help but speak about the things you love! Make a joyful noise to the Lord. The words that you speak are a reflection of your heart. (There are so many verses on this, but here are just a few.)
Psalm 34:1
Ephesians 4:29
Titus 3:2
Proverbs 15:1
Luke 6:45
Beautiful hands: Be a servant, a worker. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Maybe they are even a little rough and calloused from much toiling.
Matthew 25:34-40
Proverbs 31
Beautiful feet: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. GO! To the neighbor, to your co-worker, to your family member, to your friends, to the ends of the earth. Whoever God calls you to.
Isaiah 52:7
I will strive to not measure my beauty by the world's standards. I will take care of this body the Lord has blessed me with and present myself in a way that reflects that. I will measure beauty against God's Word and seek an inward beauty that radiates outwardly.
Ladies seek a beauty that reflects Christ, not the world. Guys seek a beautiful lady that reflects Christ, not the world. And with a quick reference to ole "Magic Mike", ladies, seek a man who reflects Christ and not the world.
Love you all,
Morgan
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