Unreasonable Expectations - Don't Go There

 If I could tell one thing to my younger self it would be, "Do not set unreasonable expectations for yourself."  Throughout life we are exposed to so many opinions, viewpoints, advertisements and beliefs that we sometimes find ourselves trying to measure up to many, if not all, of them.  We see something that catches our attention, and we often are swayed to feel or think we HAVE to imitate it.  This is very true of advertisements which are geared toward this very reaction.  Our economy is premised on the promise that we will be coerced into purchasing whatever is for sale in order to try to achieve it for ourselves.  This is sadly inauthentic and a sad way to live.  

I did an experiment once where I  spent one whole quiet summer (before internet) without looking at magazines and flyers that came in the mail.  I wanted to see what would happen if I reduced my exposure to things I might WANT.  I had no television during those years, so this really was a valid trial.  I was not tempted by new clothes and I also felt a little happier with my own appearance, which I have always criticized.  This was a nice experience for me.  

 It is important consider that we might be unhappy in portions of our lives because we are constantly being held up against unrealistic expectations.  I have to confess, I have held myself to extremely high standards that have many times exceeded the realm of realistic. I have pushed myself often to run farther, be thinner, smarter, accomplish more…the list is truly rather long.  It’s unfortunate in some ways, but it’s also part of what it means to live in this world where a continual barrage of input comes our way.  

I have begun to look around less and look inside more. I like shutting everything down and reading, crocheting, baking, exercising, writing, praying, listening, seeing, resting.  It’s been so good for my soul.  I can sometimes get distracted, but I want my life to be MY LIFE.  Not social media, websites, t.v., movies, Netflix, etc.  I want my mind to be TO BELONG ME and GOD.  

One of my best friends once said she was sick of taking pictures of life and posting them.  She just wanted to live it instead.  I Agree! Have you set unrealistic expectations on yourself? Trust my experience, it’s a hard way to live-and is it really living?  

Take good care today.

Your Heart is an Organ

 

                                                               Your Heart is an Organ

If you know my story, you know that I had a pretty terrible father.  From my earliest memory, all I knew was a man who beat up on my mother, was negligent to the family, and weird with us kids.  He was a dangerous man and because of the trauma he put our family through, I was an incredibly scared and insecure child.  When I use the word 'insecure' here I mean that we had NO SECURITY.  My father was in and out of our lives so often that abandonment was a normal, if terrifying, feeling.  It was easier not having him around even if it meant we had nothing to eat or were cold in the tiny, uninsulated Vermont camp he had dragged us to.  The police took him away when I was 7 ish and I didn't have to see him any more.

My mom did her best and we soon moved to an apartment above a store in a small village.  One day I received a large box in the mail.  I should let you know here that I did not know who Jesus was.  He was not taught or shown to me by anyone, ever.  I knew of God (Catholic school) but it was not a very deep or detailed knowledge.  Back to my package!  When opened, I discovered it was a child's organ!  I mean the  instrument kind!  It had legs and a little bench.  The card said, 'from your father.'  Well, I was excited to have anything to play with, so I learned to play that organ as if it were the only toy I had, (which isn't far from the truth!)  

The organ came with one little book.  The book was purple and it was composed of only hymns.  I had no idea what they meant, but I played and sang songs like, "Faith of our Fathers, Amazing Grace, What a Friend I Have in Jesus," etc.  I sang and played and played and sang!  

I have recently thought a lot about this organ.  I am beginning to think this was a miracle in my life.  I am inclined to believe this gift was from my Father in Heaven and not my earthly father.  I wonder if God was looking down at me and thought, "I am going to save this little girl somehow, and if no one else will do it, I'll do it myself."  

In pondering this whole story, I also began to think about the double meaning in the word, 'organ.'  God sent me an Organ!  I mean, what could be more ironic and yet so fitting?  I am ever so thankful that these were the first seeds planted in my (organ) HEART and they were directed by my Lord himself.  How could I ever question my salvation or my purpose on this earth?  Clearly, I am SO LOVED by God.  

And you know what?  So are you, sister!  So are you!  

Take Good Care Today.  

 I love mornings.  The song of birds fills my ears and the sunlight is fresh and warm.  Mornings are inviting and promising.  Mornings are free and ready to bloom. They hold excitement and joy.   Mornings can be my favorite part of my days.  

However, mornings can also be pretty tough.  Morning time can be when the serotonin levels are down in the body and that can serve to feel oppressive.  Perhaps you have experienced what I experience which is a time of anxiety and gloominess that takes positive self-talk and the moving of my body to work through it.  It takes energy and hard work to turn it around.  I would also add, mornings can be that low that Satan is just waiting for so he can get  'in'.  It's his favorite thing to do  -  hold you back.  He loves to torment.  Ephesians 4:27 says, "Do not give the devil a foothold."  We must hold the word of God up in the face of Satan, each and every day.  Ephesians 6:12 is what we must do daily, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."  

When we moved to a new state where we knew no one, I experienced a whole new level of this morning suffering.  It made me afraid that I was headed to a bad place where I wouldn't be able to rise out of.  There were times I wanted to sit and cry, and sometimes I did.  However, I used to use my own self to try hard to get out of these moments.  I now see that that does not work for long, if at all.  What I have to do, and what you have to do, is to read our Bibles and put on the Full Armor of God daily!  Ephesians 6:10-18 says:  10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Biblegateway.com, NIV).

I've always felt a little abused by emotions.  I have felt they have bullied me much of my life - pushing me to places I never wanted to go.  They've been the path that is worn and open as opposed to the one that I have to hack away at to see my way through.  Emotions are something I've come to know need my utmost attention in order to not let them rule.  But, it is not merely emotion...it is emotion fueled by Satan.  This is where he likes to get his foothold with me.  I must stand firm daily, creating a new day with Jesus Christ where no fiery barbs of the devil can even come close!

So, with me, won't you put on your armor, stand firm against Satan, look out to the sunshine, get some exercise and rest happily in the love of Jesus Christ?  It's the only way to go.  

Take good care today.