Words have no power over me…

Most days you will never find someone that would say something negative against me or most people I know.  They say birds of a feather…well I hang out with some really nice people.  They’re funny, generous, and smart…quick to give with talent and wit.

Growing up it would really crush me if I heard something someone said about me that was cruel or hateful.  My world was rocked when someone would be purposely hurtful…why would anyone want to hurt me?  What had I done to them?

Hopefully we all grow up and learn that hurtful words are not about the subject but the speaker themselves.  Today I heard from a friend that gave me some news.  News that would throw most people off kilter.  Someone had spoken unkind about me to someone who is of some importance.  Does that upset me?  HEAVENS NO!

No response came from my heart other than sorrow for the speaker of the words themselves.  I shook my head, and felt sorry that this person was so vindictive in in lies, that he had to spread hate in this world.  I now know that words of these sort have nothing to do with me…but about the person speaking them.  He has a hurt spirit or he wouldn’t want to be spiteful.

Those Christians reading this post…I remind you to pray for the people in your future or past that have spoken ill of you or your loved ones in your life.  Remember their words have no power of your life.  BUT your prayers can have effects in theirs!

Thank you Jesus for your daily blessings and protection.  Thank you God for your continued care and peace in my heart.  I am so glad to be your child, in that you grant me happiness and joy in my life.  I ask you to bless the heart of this person, who had some ill words cross his heart, mind, and mouth.  I pray you forgive him and urge him to seek you.  Thank you, in your name I pray…Amen.

Are U PG?

A blogging friend of mine, Joeprah, over at Anecdotes of a Stay At Home Dad just blogged about his badge of honor, and I wanted to post mine. He’s got his badge proudly displayed, which reads “Family Freindly”. Although my site technically pulled up as Adult Rated…it’s only because of a few harmless words that fell in the gray area. The word ‘shoot’ pulled up four times, but I was using it in the context of photography.

Needless to say, my site it not Family Friendly but I am still posting my badge proudly. You can check to see what your site is ranked at with this link.

Structured Settlements

One of his readers posted another link in the comment section that was also valuable. I think it’s amazing that you can pull up any website through this rating system to see what their content is rated…G, PG or otherwise. Hallelujah for all the parents out there who NEED to be monitoring the sites their children go to. So thank you to those of you out there that will start using these sites to double check what your children are viewing and reading.

Thankfully my son isn’t old enough to surf the web yet. By the time he is, I hope we have a better sense of security when it comes to what is out there waiting for us. Strict monitoring is the only way in current times to make sure our children stay safe. Please pass these links along to make others aware of them. They’re great tools for any blogger or parent.

Faithful Friday 11-23-07

Yesterday my family spent the day at my grandmothers in a remote small town. In fact one wise family member, who is under the age of 10, mentioned that the town looked exactly like Radiator Springs! We all got a laugh out of that one. My grandmother still lives in her home, that’s crumbling apart it’s so old, and is going strong.

As a family we decided to have Thanksgiving at her house this year. It may be the last time we’re able to at the age my grandmother is. As kids we loved to play there. She’s got a big goldfish pond in her back yard, which my sister fell in as a kid. Those gold fish are so big and so old…it makes me wonder if they’ve been around longer than me. My grandmother also had a secret passage way in her home. Well it’s more like to connecting closets that run the center of her home. So this little hallway that led from the guest room to the master bedroom became our secret passage way…a charmed little secret we always enjoyed as kids.

It was my son’s first time in this little town and at his Great Grama’s house. He knew of the secret passage way and couldn’t wait to travel down it’s path. He ran from room to room to take the passage…over and over and over! It was so awesome seeing him caught up in the wonder of something from my childhood. I’m sure it’s something he’ll never forget.

We all ate the standard yummies, until our stomachs burst and then retired to watch football. The boys played dominoes for while, and then we bust out UNO and had a lot of fun. I won, so my husband decided he didn’t want to play anymore…:)

I think the most relaxing thing was sitting on the floor and leaning back into the recliner, where my sister was sitting. I’ve grown my hair out in the last 6 months, and it’s long for the first time since college…circa 1991. (OUCH!) She leaned forward and french braided my hair, which is what she used to do almost daily when we were kids. I had hair down to my knees growing up. I would have to hold the strands out arm length to have them ready as she braided strand by strand, b/c my hair was too long to maneuver.

Not that I’m not thankful for all of my other family…I am blessed to love all of them deeply. But my sister is my best friend, and always has been. She is 6 years older than me, so she always took care of me growing up. She nurtured, babied, loved and adored me when I was little. She taught me and guided me as I grew older. She learned the difference between a second mom and a best friend when I was an adult…and I love her so much.

Yesterday being in a place with all my family made me reflect on how amazing our relationship is and was…and always will be.

This Faithful Friday I’m reflecting on how blessed I am to have a normal family. Yes, we’ve all had our drama…but at the bottom line Christ has been at our center which has kept us all grounded. Thank you Lord for my family!

Count them all

Turkey Day…Gobble Gobble Day…Thanksgiving….

We all focus so much on how much food to prepare, how many guests to expect, or how far we’re traveling…that we forget to really remember what it signifies. Most think about counting their blessings, but never get around to it. They’re thankful in general right? So writing them down isn’t really necessary…

I don’t agree. I say write them down…count them all and focus on what your truly thankful for during tomorrow’s preparations. You don’t have to list a certain number. Even if it’s one ‘thanks’ thats more than most really take the time to write down.

Here are mine:

1) Firstly I’m thankful to Christ for leading me every day, where I should follow Him. Some days I ignore his subtle call, but eventually he’ll tap at my heart loud enough that I can’t ignore his beckon any longer.

2) I’m thankful for safe travels of me, my family, and friends during this busy travel season.

3) I’m thankful to spend time with my family, and am so blessed to truly love each and every one of them to the bottom of my heart. I’m thankful for the good health of all my family members. We’re all so blessed to have one another.

4) I’m thankful God is giving me a new door to walk through soon (more on that in another blog). Again He constantly provides, even when I’m human and worry He won’t. Thank you God for not giving up on me!

5) I’m thankful that God led me to my husband of 7 years. We just had our 10 year ‘dating’ anniversary and I’m blown away at the time we’ve had together so far, and I can’t wait for the next generation with him. I am so thankful that I get to wake up each morning and spend my life with him.

6) I’m thankful for my son’s constant blessing in my life…his heart, spirit, and humor. I’m amazed each day at how amazing he is, and how my life wouldn’t be the same without him.

Okay now it’s your turn! Please list your blessings….count them all! It doesn’t have to be 6—just count them and list them in your blog. Please link back to me so that I may read what you’re thankful for in your life! Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

God bless you and enjoy all that turkey!!

100 years proud

You’ve read many posts on how wonderful my state is, and what a hidden treasure it is. I’ve always known what a special place this is. My grandparents have a lot to do with why this place is so sentimental to me, but when I think about it they are the epitome of the spirit of this great state. Their warmth, love, and giving nature is what Oklahoma is all about.

Yesterday we celebrated our 100th birthday…our centennial celebration. Founded in 1907, we have a special history and an extraordinary future. OETA produced and aired a amazing program last night that was live from the Ford Center, featuring artists that were most all Oklahoma Natives.

To quote OETA’s Centennial page:

An unprecedented gathering of Oklahoma’s most famous sons and daughters, the “Celebration of a Century” features performances from native Oklahomans including country music icons Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and Toby Keith, plus rock legends The Flaming Lips, Stillwater’s own All-American Rejects, Jimmy Webb, Broadway’s Kelli O’Hara, Blake Shelton, Patti Page and opera singer Leona Mitchell.

The star-studded tribute also includes appearances by Shirley Jones, five Miss Americas — Jennifer Berry Gooden, Shawntel Smith Wuerch, Susan Powell, Jane Jayroe-Gamble and Lauren Nelson — Amy Grant, comedian Argus Hamilton, Willard Scott, Johnny Bench, Bart Conner, Nadia Comaneci, Barry Switzer and many more. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Canterbury Choral Society and the American Spirit Dance Company also join in the celebration of Oklahoma’s 100th birthday.

I tried finding any clip from this program on YouTube somewhere because of how moving it was, but couldn’t. Maybe I’ll get my video recorder out and video my television, since I PVR’d the program, and Youtube it myself.

Happy Birthday Oklahoma…To a wonderful culture, history, and heart of gold. We’ve got a lot more wonderful experiences and years to come.

Faithful Friday 11-16-07

All I’m posting for today’s Faithful Friday is this link.

Go there and play the video…be blessed…and try not to cry like a baby!  :0

3 steps to freedom

Rindy, over at Experiencing the Journey, posted about “What’s Holding You Back”. She said that we’re all in our cages, so to speak. Here’s an excerpt of what she said, in hopes that you’ll stop by and read her post:
—-Whether we are locked inside our “cages” or are relying on belief systems that can fall apart, we are being held back. To quote Kem Meyer, “Many times our sense of reality can get so tied up, polarized and distorted it is almost impossible to see which beliefs are working and which are holding us back”. From Matthew Turner, “cages often keep us from pursuing the hopes and dreams Jesus has placed in our hearts.”

Breaking free is not easy. It takes courage to confront ourselves and look at what beliefs and what cages are ingrained in us. Yet, we can’t fully love, completely give, be humble, or pursue and embrace the dreams until we do. Climbing out of the cages and having faith in a belief system that is solid gives freedom. It gives freedom to be who we were created to be and freedom to step into someone else’s life and make a difference. It’s tough, but it is so worth it!!—-

One of the comments I left her was: I think self evaluation is one of the hardest things in life to do…to be truly honest with yourself-about yourself. It’s one of the THE most important things when it comes from breaking free from your cage (or your excuses for your behavior). GREAT post! I’m glad I stopped by today.

I wanted to expound a little further though. Yes, it’s important to constantly be aware of how we are as humans every day, and how that not only effects us personally in everything do or don’t do…but also greatly effects the people around us.

I recently had a conversation with someone who was pushing a certain mindset on me, and in his attempted pep talk he said, “I get to wake up and impact people’s lives every day”. Now that in itself isn’t a bad thing — don’t get me wrong. I even wrote in my journal in my twenties: Every day the sun will rise, and everyday is a chance to change a life!

So I for one see where this person is coming from, but I have since learned it’s not about what I think should change someone’s life. This person is still making it all about him and his control over other’s lifes, and while self awareness and your impact is amazing knowledge, I think it should be about something totally bigger than that.

Being self aware to break free from your cage is only the first step. To recognize your ailment in life, and free yourself and your family from that chain by taking action is amazing. However as a Christian I want to make an impact by just being what God makes me. I no longer purposely wake up saying ‘Who’s life can I change today?’

I think waking up free from your cage is step number one. Step number two is setting your heart in the right place. And step number three? To take number 2 a little further…asking God to intercede and give you the perception of what HIS will for you his for the day. To ask Him to prompt you to do what He would have you do each day for His plan in your life and for others. Just being emotionally and spiritually tapped in to what He wants will be the catalyst to change not only in your life but EVERYONE’S around you.

Setting yourself free from your cage will take lots of prayer. Ask God what it is in your life that is holding you back. Is is your mindset about someone particular in your life? Is it your bitterness about your job? Is it your focus of your lack of money? Or is it past trauma that you just can’t move past?

These are all things that will continue to mold you and your behavior, which ripples into others lives and how they treat you. Ask God for help, and take purposeful steps to rid yourself of that chain around your heart. Then wake up ready for what His will for your life is. It’s a long journey to this place…but the freedoms are amazing.

I backtrack most days.  It’s definitely a work in progress, but what isn’t?  None of us are perfect, and I’m far from it. I let the bitterness of certain things in life temporarily take back over, and then I have to stop, take note, and pray for God to take it from me. I know I need God’s help and direction in these areas of my life. When I finally let go and give it over, the peace that’s given is truly the most amazing feeling in the world.

Financial Peace

Proverbs 22:7

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

My husband and I are currently taking Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace, and I am counting the days to freedom from debt. A lot of Dave’s practices were ones that I was taught growing up, like saving vs spending…staying away from credit cards etc.

In my twenties, I used to freeze a ziplock baggie of water, with my credit card inside. I kept it in my freezer, and had to thaw it out if in need. I knew impulse buys were out of the question, because I didn’t have easy access to my credit card. If it was a true need, than I’d have time to think about how dire that need was while the ice melted. But once you grow up and get married, your own practices merge with another’s. You and your spouse design your own plan, and things can change from moderate to radical.

My hubbie and I are fortunate enough to be able to say that after 7 years of marriage, we’ve never had to struggle financially. However now that I’m in my new job, which is hit or miss with getting paid, we’re fast learners on how frivolous we had been with our money. We spent whatever we wanted, because we had it on hand. And right now when I’m debating on what groceries I need vs want, and how much is in the bank or not…it’s a definitely challenge but a good one.

We’re learning to manage things better and faster. We’re overcoming our financial shortfall by creative measures, and this Financial Peace University is just one of the many ways we’re planning our future. Dave Ramsey’s debt snowball is one application that works for us.

It teaches to list all your totals you owe to what companies/creditors in order of largest to smallest. Pay the minimums on the biggest totals due, and pay as much as you can afford to your smallest debt. Get one paid off quickly and then start on the next smallest amount due. It’s designed to help you attack your debt one loan or credit card at a time. It also helps you count down (by pay off dates) to financial freedom…and peace.

I’m so looking forward to the day that I can call Dave’s hotline and announce financial freedom! Not only will this help me and my husband partner and agree on our financial plans, which is better than 90% of couples out there, but it will also set an example for my son. We will break the chain of debt in my family, to set him financially free for his future as well.

This faithful friday, I post on financial faith. God wants us all to be debt free so that we’re not ‘slave’ to the lender. This class is another way to give our finances to God and get rid of all debt that has control over us. Now I just have to get paid more money to be able to pay our debt off…which is why I started my photography business on the side to supplement my small income. I’ve already got 3 photoshoots lined up in the next 5 weeks! Yay!

Packed Weekend

This weekend flew by! (notice a trend here?)

I had my first photo shoot with a family of five at a local park, and it went amazing! They are all really good subjects, so taking a great picture of them was not hard. God has blessed them all with great looks and amazing hearts. I wanted to capture just how special they were not just in general, but to each other, on camera. I think God blessed me with some amazing shots. I just hope they agree!

The park had everything a photographer would dream of for a back drop…amazing foliage, ponds, rose gardens, beautiful bridges under massive trees, stone stairwells and patios by the river. I think it’s my new favorite place to shoot.

Saturday I actually went out a day early to scope it all out, during the same time I was to shoot the next day.  I wanted to make sure I knew where the sun would hit, and what places would make great shots.  I’m so anal like that…I did recon for a photo shoot.  I’m shaking my head now even as I type.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Faithful Friday 11-2-07

This week I’m so thankful for my son’s PRE-K teacher.  Although I never thought to pray before hand to make sure He placed my son with someone who would be perfect for him, God as always provides.  My son’s teacher is such a doll, and at parent-teacher conference today I got to hear of all the wonderful things she’s implementing in class.

Today I give thanks to God for surrounding my son with Christian authority.  Each day, my son’s around people that I truly trust his care to, and they truly adore him as much as I do.   Thank you Lord for providing for me and my family…exactly what we need….even when I forget to ask.