Soulful Sunday: Peace

As I shared with you at the beginning of this year, the word that God laid on my heart for this year is PEACE.  When I wrote that first entry about peace and realizing that God wanted me to seek Him for peace, not that I was going to be in peace, I was frustrated.  Eight months later, and the truth still is there:  Life is not peaceful, BUT God is Peace.  Seek Him and let the Peace of Christ rule in your heart.  I cannot tell you all the situations I have been involved in over the past year, but I can say this: when I choose to look at God, the Peace is there.  The times I haven't looked at God, well...you guessed it.  Those are the times I was frustrated, sad, angry, or fearful.  In fact, let me even confess, I've had to ask God for more self-control to chose His Peace.  My first response hasn't been His peace in a lot of my circumstances.  In case I haven't shared with you, my personality has a strong feeler side to it...What does that mean you ask?  Well, for me, I can easily dwell in how I feel and in the feelings of others around me.  For example, I feel like October was a month of sadness and frustration for myself and others around me.  I was feeling worn out and confused by God.  On my way to work one morning, I was listening to Bethel's Loft Sessions, and the song, "Come To Me" came on.  For about two weeks now, when I am alone in the car, this song is on repeat.  And it has been God's love letter to me.  He is reminding me to come to Him.  Things may look confusing, frustrating, disappointing, sad.  Don't look at the circumstances.  Look at Him.  Receive His Peace.  I leave you with the video of "Come To Me," and don't be surprised if you leave it on repeat too.

Saturday's List

1. My last post was two months ago.

2. Since then, I'm trying to balance social media and my life. To be honest, I was getting too consumed by likes, favorites, and comments. I had to take a break to reprioritize.

3. Raise your hand if you are a teacher and are guilty of letting school over take your life during August, September, and October.

4. Oh wait...that's just me? They say confession is good for the soul. I confess that I struggle with being a workaholic at times. Like the past three months. Forgive me Lord.

5. BTW...when did November get here? I feel like I just had my birthday in May.

6. I'll admit, this week I've felt more like a teenager than an adult. Anyone else have these relapses?

7. Peace and Calming oil from Young Living Oil is so good! Puts me right to sleep...

8. I hate scrubbing the bathtub.

9. I also hate scrubbing the toilet.

10. And washing the bathroom floor is not a top ten on my favorite activity list either.

11. Dear God, if you are going to bless me with a husband one day...maybe you could give him a heart for cleaning the bathroom. And you can give me a heart for the chore he doesn't like. It will be a household chore swap! Thanks and Amen

12. I'm reading Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I'm enjoying it! It's historical fiction, scifi, and romance all together.

13. Because of the book, I really want to visit Scotland now.

14. Time change is tomorrow. I'm excited to not have to leave for work in the dark.

15. Having rediscovered Tyler candles, I'm in love with their high maintenance    scent.

16. I promise that I'm not high maintenance.

17. No, really I'm not. I've not a stitch of make-up on, homepants on, and a college t-shirt on.

18. Final thing on my list today: I want you to know I love this song:

19. See? It's on repeat.

20. Have a blessed Saturday!!

Thoughtful Thursday: Bring What You Have

Matchmaker Monday: Where's Your Tribe?

Friends are important at all stages, yet never seem quite as vital as when you are a single adult. Sometimes though, it can be difficult to make that lasting connection. I can remember watching episodes of Friends, in it's actual airing, btw, because I am that old, and thinking when you get to be an adult, you have to find those kind of friends to do life with. In fact, I can remember in college, one of my professors talked about how there was a new developmental phenomenon arising because of the influence of Friends. She called it a tribe because it was a group of young adults that did everything together. I remember her saying that it would be interesting to see the effect, such as changed family bonds, delayed marriages, etc. arise from this new tribe mentality.

Now maybe there are people out there who have these Friends-esque tribes they run around in. I'll be honest. I really don't. In fact, if I think really hard for a minute, probably the last time I had a big group of coed friends around me was during college. As I've moved into adulthood, I still have friends around me, but often they are smaller (and now according to Facebook, I'm learning they are very intertwined) and purposeful. I have friends that I work with. I have friends that I do Bible study with. I have friends that I meet for coffee. I have friends I take dance class with. I have friendships that started because their child was in my class.  I have friends that know me heart and soul, and luckily for me, they still choose to be my friend. I have college friends I still see. All of these groups of friends converge to make one giant group of friends- a community, instead of a small exclusive tribe. 

As a single adult, I'm challenging other single adults...please make a large community for yourself. Don't make a tribe. I know TV has glamorized the single persons' tribe. However, in my heart, I feel like the more fulfilling option is to build a community for yourself. In fact this morning, I was reading about Nehemiah working to rebuild Jerusalem after the years of captivity. The way it was accomplished was through many men working on many parts. Together they rebuilt the physical community to allow for spiritual community. I know it can be easy as a single to only want to hang out with other singles. I get it. Sometimes there's only one more conversation about couplehood you can take. But in addition to your single friends, have friends of all types. I know I've received lots of wise council from people in my community that I may not have listened to if I was only looking for a tribe.  Let many types of people into your life and watch as you grow and transform to something better. We all need it! So if you are feeling lonely, dear single friend, don't look to build a Friends tribe. Instead, stop to build a diverse community around you of friends of people of all ages and walks. It will make your life richer.

Soulful Sunday: Three Times

2 Kings 13: 18-19 (NLT) - Then he said, “Now pick up the other arrows and strike them against the ground.” So the king picked them up and struck the ground three times. But the man of God was angry with him. “You should have struck the ground five or six times!” he exclaimed. “Then you would have beaten Aram until it was entirely destroyed. Now you will be victorious only three times.”

This encounter in 2 Kings is Elisha’s last prophecy before he dies.  There were many things that I found interesting here.  First, even though the king knew Elisha (and I’m sure of all the great things God used him for) he only did a minimum.  Elisha becomes angry with the king probably because of how small the request was.  He reminds the king of God’s power and now give a prophecy that the king will not destroy the enemy.

For me the passage hit home about how I can narrow my view of God in light of the struggles I face.  Instead, I should remember how big my God is.  I’m not saying we can manipulate God by showing Him how big our faith is.  This isn’t one of those things that I am saying God will do as I ask because of my faith.  Instead, I’m saying that sometimes, just like the king, I see my struggle as so large, I only ask God for the minimum.  Which to me is a symptom of a heart that is making what I am facing bigger than God.  Which is idolatry.  Which is against the first commandment.  

You know, the one that says we shall not have any gods before God.  SO maybe, just maybe, instead of praying for the minimum solution to what feels like an overwhelming problem, I should start praying from a place of knowing my God is greater than anything.  Instead of “striking my arrows” three times, I should go ahead and do five or six.  Then I can watch God do more than I could ask or imagine!

Thoughtful Thursday: His Ways Are Higher

Soulful Sunday: Broken Vessels

This is on the latest release from Hillsong's "No Other Name."  I have a feeling that this song will be as impactful as "Oceans" was for many last year.  I love the images that come to mind within this song.  It is so beautiful because it reminds us of the fact we are broken due to our sin, but God's grace and love transform us to be used for us.  A great reminder for us all...

Thoughtful Thursday: Love Conquers All

Soulful Sunday: Don't Get My Hopes Up

2 Kings 4: 15-16 (NLT)-  “Call her back again,” Elisha told him. When the woman returned, Elisha said to her as she stood in the doorway, “Next year at this time you will be holding a son in your arms!”  “No, my lord!” she cried. “O man of God, don’t deceive me and get my hopes up like that.”

Have you ever been in a season like this?  You know, one where that desire of your heart hasn’t yet happened.  You have prayed for something, got your hopes up over and over again and yet for some reason,  what you are praying for hasn’t happened.  Maybe it is for a spouse, a job, or to have a child.  Maybe it is for a direction in life.  Maybe it is for that person to come to Christ.  You then resign yourself to the idea that what you desired isn’t going to happen.

But then God intervenes.  Perhaps it is a verse you read that encourages you.  Maybe it is a word from someone, telling you to keep the hope alive.  You go to church and the sermon speaks directly to you.  A song comes on the radio that speaks straight to your heart.  God is calling you to hope in Him again, just like God used Elisha to call hope into this woman’s life.  Instead of your reaction being filled with praise and joy though, your reaction is a lot more like the woman here.  She doesn’t want to be let down once again.  We then feel guilty because we feel like we shouldn’t have wavering trust in God.  We feel like our hope should be steadfast.

Don’t be hard on yourself.  I love these verses in the Bible because they are real; real emotion behind deferred dreams.  I think that if we gave ourselves grace to continue hoping, even during  moments of resignation or fear of the dream failing once again, we can move forward with God to the place He is calling us.

Thoughtful Thursday: Today's Feelings

And Now For Something Completely Different on Matchmaker Monday: I am a Nazarene

On Mondays, I usually devote time to writing about my journey as a single Christian woman living in the Bible Belt Buckle called Oklahoma.  I felt awkward about writing about my journey since I feel like a minority with the majority of friends, family, and co-workers married.  However, God hit me over the head this week with what it truly means to be a minority.  

You see, I may feel sad at times because I don't have a husband to come home to everyday.  I look at the birthdays of my students and realize that I could be old enough to be their mother, without any social stigma, and I feel sad knowing if I do have children in the context of marriage, it could be considered a 'geriatric pregnancy.'  I could even be upset that I still don't own my own house yet.

Then I turned on the news.  Then I read through my Facebook Newsfeed.  Then I read my Twitter Timeline.  I realized something much bigger than my pity party of singleness was happening across the world. I now saw what it truly meant to be a minority.  Iraqi Christian women are devastated by pure evil right now.  They are forced from their homes, brutally raped, husbands killed, and their children beheaded.  As I listen to the stories and see the pictures, I am absolutely gobsmacked at the horrific violence.  Everyday since I've heard about what the ISIS is doing, I have prayed.  First, I prayed for forgiveness for being so self-centered and selfish lately.  Second, I've just prayed this simple prayer for those fellow Christians- Lord, help them.  

I'm in the middle of reading the Old Testament in my year of reading the Bible.  The violence that is making the news is the same violence in the books of Kings, Chronicles, Jeremiah, Daniel, etc.  It is evil determined to drive out all of God's people.  It breaks my heart that so many are suffering and I sit here in America, helpless.  Or so I thought.  I'm reminded of when King Hezekiah was faced with ruthless threats against the people of Israel and God by King Sennacherib.  You can read about King Sennacherib's threats in 2 Kings 18.  He was surrounding the city and thought for certain he would be victorious.  In the next chapter, we read about King Hezekiah's response.  He goes into mourning.  He is upset and very distressed.  I imagine it is probably very similar to the Iraqi Christians.  King Hezekiah prays this beautiful prayer: 

 “Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God.  It is true, Lord, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, Lord, are God.” 

The prophet Isaiah then comes to King Hezekiah and tells him that his prayer for deliverance will be answered.  Then God sends the Angel of Death into the troops of King Sennacherib's troops and they are defeated and driven back to their city.

While the ISIS makes news headlines for the terror they are inflicting, let us as fellow Christians (or Nazarenes, to use their word)  use the most powerful weapon we have to help in the fight halfway across the world: PRAYER.  Let us all approach God with the humility and confidence of King Hezekiah.  I have adapted his words from 2 Kings into a prayer we can all use to pray for Christians in Iraqi and to defeat the evil of ISIS.

"Lord, the God of all Christians and of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over the entire earth.  You have made it all.  Listen to our prayer now, open your eyes to the violence; listen to the evil, hate filled words of the ISIS.  See how they have driven your people from their homes and destroyed cities that belonged to you.  See how they have committed brutal, unspeakable acts of violence.  They are shedding innocent blood, mocking your Holy Name.  Now, Lord our God, deliver your people from their evil hands, so that the whole world would know that you alone, Lord, are God. In Jesus Name, Amen."

Brothers and Sisters, let us pray fervently and ferociously for the Lord God to deliver His people and end the violence.

Soulful Sunday: My Beloved

I know I have posted several of David Crowder's work with the DCB and on his own as Crowder.  His new album, "Neon Steeple" is great!  Crowder calls it a 'folktronica' blend and I enjoy it as it mashes two of my favorite styles together!  Here is one of my favorite songs from 'Neon Steeple':

Thoughtful Thursday: HIGHLIGHT REEL

Think about it.  We all have things we don't share with the world.  Things that don't make the blogs, the FB newsfeed, the Twitter updates, or Instagram.  Everyone's life is not as perfect as social media makes it.  Stop and take a deep breath.  Rest in who you are.  Be confident in yourself.

What's Entertaining Me Wednesday: BBC's Walk On The Wild Side

This week, I had to post a video from BBC's Walk On The Wild Side.  I have no idea what it is about this show, especially since I have only watched YouTube clips of it.  There is something about the animal faces and the voices together that CRACKS. ME. UP.  If you are in need of a boost this midweek, check it out below:

Matchmaker Monday: It may be weird, because normal is not working...

Wow.  I got a lot of response to last week's blog about profile pictures of men while online dating!  I had no idea it was going to be quite the subject when I wrote it!  Out of that post, I have had a lot of real life conversations about my actual approach to online dating, so I thought I would share what I was doing.  I will preface this post by saying that THIS WAY is how God is leading ME.  It may not be what God leads you to do.  That is where you pray and seek Him.  Also, if you aren't a Christ-Follower, all of this is going to sound weird.  But, as my pastor says, "We are going to be weird because normal isn't working."  For me, normal didn't work at all.

First off, I have to admit this:  I like to get my money's worth at all times.  If I pay for a meal and the quality is substandard, I probably will not visit your restaurant again.  If I buy a shirt and the threads come out of the seam quickly, well, I probably won't buy a shirt there again.  To me, if I am paying for something, and paying a higher dollar amount, I expect something for the money.  Now, online dating can be tricky because you can pay for something, but not have the desire result.  However, I do find it more reasonable to pay $35.00 a month for a service with about 5-7 good connections vs. $70.00 for no connections.  Now, because I've paid for a service, I feel like I should use the service.  Equal opportunity for me to wink, smile, and e-mail away.  I figured we are all in this together, so if I see someone I'm interested in, I'll take a bit of the initiative.  Men shouldn't be intimated or scared off, because again, we are BOTH paying for the service and I'm not going to let my service go unused if I'm just waiting for a man to contact me.

Since May that was my approach.  I did get a few responses, in fact, when I counted it up, I was "meeting" a new man every week for the past two months.  A lot more contact than normal, especially since I'm a kindergarten teacher and I have yet to meet a single man in my line of work.  (I mean one that is available for dating, not literally a single man.)  However, these connections usually fizzled out very quickly.  I was becoming frustrated and felt like I started to see the same people over and over.  And the other quality men I didn't initially contact were gone.  I took about a two week break, praying and seeking God on what to do next.

After much prayer, here is my approach.  It sounds radical and like I'm not getting my money's worth.  But I feel like it is allowing God to move in the way He wants.  And it is getting me to practice waiting on Him and trusting Him.  I have my profile up, it is active, but I'm not initiating.  I will wait for a wink, like, or email and then respond.  I'm not spending time searching for men, but rather waiting, and trusting if this is the way God has designed my husband to meet me, then it will happen.  I'll be honest, for some one who likes to do things and also likes getting their money's worth, it is difficult.  I want to log on and search, etc., just so I feel like I'm getting my $35.00 for the month.  However, like the verse in Isaiah, God tell us that His ways are higher.  I'm going to trust Him.  Plus, this removes me from the equation, so if something does happen, He gets 100% of the glory, as it should be.

Weird, right?  I know it is.  But I'm ok with standing out and being different.  And if I do meet someone this way, then as I said before, what a testimony to God working in my life.  And if I don't, then that is ok too.  God is still good and I will have learned to go deeper in my trust.

  

Soulful Sunday: Alive (Acoustic)

Yes, I may be a little outside the target demographic of Hillsong Young and Free, but I do love their album.  In fact, it is one that I like to workout with or just listen to when I need a boost.  I actually sing this song a lot at church and it is one of my favorites!  I was listening to Relevant's podcast and this was a special recording from that session.  I love the acoustic version as much as the original!  I was afraid that when they said it was going to be acoustic it wouldn't translate.  However, I enjoy listening to this version a lot.  I think it is because the truth in the lyrics is so powerful, whether it has a big techno sound or the acoustic sound.  Enjoy!

Saturday's List: Random Thoughts

1. This week I've had the most random songs in my head: The Mulan Soundtrack and Unchained Melody. Any one know why songs pop up and stay on your mind?

2. Learned a lot about Old Testament idols when I googled it, looking for pictures. (Insert little embarrassed emoji face.)

3.  Greek Yogurt+ Blueberries + Granola= Yummy Breakfast

4.  24 is an awesome TV show. I'm sorry I wasn't a fan while it actually aired.

5.  I removed my duck face and cleavage shots from my online dating profile.

6.  Just kidding. I never had those kind of pictures on my site. :-)

7.  If you forget to rinse the conditioner out of your hair, just go ahead and put it into a bun. Otherwise you look like you have spaghetti hanging from your head.

8.  School starts in 13 days. I don't know why, but this year I'm very nervous to meet my class. I loved my class last year. It was one of the few years the kids ended up treating each other like family instead of friends, so it was a comfortable environment. I pray this year, the students learn to grow to love each other this way quickly.

9.  I really like pistachio frozen yogurt.

10.  I really like reading the Gospel of Mark. Mark jumps right into the ministry of Jesus and highlights how important faith is to believing. 

11.  My allergies are worse when it rains. Am I made of sugar and actually melting? :-)

12.  Saw a TV show about epic homes. A man had a yacht that not only held his car but had real gold leaf tiles for his bathroom. Gold in the bathroom, who knew?

13.  I've spent the summer reading books about quirky females. 

14. Unless I got sucked into reading about end times, Jay-Z, the Denver Airport, and Coldplay. I had no idea that stuff was online. I'm not sure what to make of it.

15.  I guess I should rewatch Frozen so I'm ready for all the references from the kids.   I thought it would drift away, but one of my best friends just had a Frozen birthday for her daughter a week ago. I guess we are just not ready to let it go.

16. One of my first jobs in education was as a teaching assistant in a first grade classroom. That was in 2005. Those first graders are now old enough to drive. 

17.  "I just want to murder someone and eat soft pretzels."-Jess Day, New Girl, on PMS

18.  I'm all for natural methods and science holding hands to work together.  Both have a place.

19.  Vanilla Dr.Pepper is a new favorite of mine, says the woman who only drinks Coke.

20.  I'm into Physique57 workouts right now. It is a barre style class, but I can do it in the comfort of my home. I'd like to think I'm getting stronger without having to lift weights. I'll let you know. :-)

What's Entertaining Me Wednesday: Paramore- "Ain't It Fun"

This summer, this song is my JAM!!  I think it is because it sort of sounds like good music from back in the day...you know Paula, Janet, etc.  In fact, when I first heard it on the radio, I thought it was a song from the late 80s-early 90s that I did not know about it.  Plus, I love Haley Williams; hair.  Love it.  It reminds me of someone in college that used to put pink, purple, and blue in their hair.  :-)  My summer song of 2014...forget being happy and rock out to this!

The Young Living Oil Test: Peppermint

This week's Young Living Oil test is another common oil: peppermint.  Now peppermint oil and I had a bit of a precarious initial run-in.  I have a good friend of mine that also is into the oils.  I was visiting her house, which is about 2.5 hours from mine when I felt a migraine coming on.  I did not have my trusty over the counter medicine with me, so she suggested the peppermint oil.  Now here is a key warning about peppermint...it MUST be mixed in a carrier oil, like unrefined coconut oil or my personal favorite olive oil.  She mixed up a batch, and I applied it to my head as she directed and then it started burning my eyes!  I seriously thought I wouldn't be able to see again the burning from the fumes and on my skin was so intense!  Luckily, she added some more carrier oil to my face and things calmed way down!!  It helped the pain quite a bit and I've been sold on peppermint oil for headaches ever since.  Sometimes I'm still having to combine with the painkiller right now.  But instead of taking multiple doses and waiting for a while for it to kick in, the peppermint oil has  made a great supplement.  Maybe one day it will be the only thing I need.

Aside from headaches, I learned at conference a few weeks ago that peppermint enhances learning in the brain.  At the conference, they suggested having the students suck on a mint or have a peppermint air freshener going during key learning times in the day.  Bingo!  You know what you will smell in my classroom twice a day this year?  Peppermint!  I am planning on diffusing it during my literacy centers and math block in the afternoon.  I even tried it out a few days ago when I was having difficulty in concentrating on some work for my TeacherPayTeacher store.  I dabbed some under my nose and went straight to work.  It definitely calmed my ADD mind and helped me focus only at the task at hand.  I can't wait to see if diffusing it is going to make a noticeable difference in the kids.  

The other way to use peppermint that is pretty common is for digestive issues.  I became gall bladder free in 2003, and since then I've struggled with all kinds of GI discomfort, including nausea and heartburn.  The other night, I was feeling sick to my stomach again and feeling like some heartburn was coming on.  Now, I hate chewing Tums.  HATE IT.  The texture and the crunching you have to do make me gag.  I'd rather have the nausea and heartburn.  So rather than suffer, as usual, I put one drop of peppermint oil under my tongue.  Within minutes, I began to feel much, much better.  And no gross chalky residue in my mouth.  Instead, it was like a fresh feeling of Christmas...and who doesn't love to be reminded of Christmas?

The final way and my favorite way I have used peppermint is in an "Allergy Bomb," where I have combined it with lavender and lemon.  I am OBSESSED with the allergy bomb.  I'm not a good candidate for a lot of the over-the-counter allergy medicine because they all can turn me into Queen of Hyperactivity or Sleeping Beauty.  With my allergy bomb, my symptoms are under control and I'm not on top of the world or drowsy.  I will have to share more in a future post.

If you are looking for more ways to use peppermint, check out this page:  http://www.got-oils.com/?s=peppermint.   Happy Oiling!

Matchmaker Monday: Online Dating Photo Quiz!

I've been involved with two well known online dating sites since May.  Which now has given me enough material for a few of these Matchmaker Mondays. :-)

Today I want to talk about men and their profile pictures.  As I've read over all these profiles for the past few months, I have fully come to understand the old cliche, a picture is worth 1000 words. You can write all the things to interest a woman, but if the pictures aren't there to back up what you are saying, then women are going to pass. Let's take a quiz below to see if your profile pictures are portraying the image you want:

1. A great head shot of you, perhaps taken by a friend or a timer feature. In said head shot, you are smiling, looking friendly. 500 points
2. Your head shot has you not smiling and looking like you need a Tums. (Also, pay attention to what is behind you in the head shot.  I've come across lots of profiles with dirty laundry, unmade beds, and crazy looking yards in the background.) -200 points
3. You have a nice picture of you with your family, especially if you have nieces and nephews. One of you playing with them at Christmas is fantastic. Women like men who are not afraid of children. 250 points.
4. You have an awkward family photo and your nieces and nephews look at you confused because you never talk to them and now you're taking a picture with them. They know you are just trying to use them to get women. Stop it. -100 per niece or nephew
5. There is A picture of you doing your favorite activities. You can run marathons, do mission work, scuba dive (BTW, apparently a lot of American men have waterproof cameras and they take pictures of themselves scuba diving. I thought the first one was a fluke, but I've now seen at least 15 profiles with the scuba dive picture.), play in a band, etc. Women like to see that you have a life. 100 points per picture per activity.
6. Now, if you have multiple pictures of you doing the same activity, a problem arises. Here is picture number 1 of you rock climbing in the Rockies because you said you liked to rock climb. But as I browse your profile I see seven more rock climbing pictures. Not to mention the five of you on a deer hunt, complete with the deer you finally got. Multiple pictures of you doing the same activity tell me you really, really, really love this activity.  But it gives me the impression that there isn't really a margin of time for a relationship in your life. -100 per picture of same activity.
7. Pictures of you with your friends. It is always nice to see a man hanging out with his people. Again, it's a great sign for women to see you enjoying everyday things and shows emotional health. We don't have to be worried that you are a future Dateline NBC story waiting to happen. 200 points
8. Now if the pictures include your ex, whether you have cropped her out, blurred her out, or just let it hang out there, that's not a "friend" we want to see you with. First, it makes us wonder if you are ready for a new relationship if you're still uploading pictures of the past. Second, it makes us wonder what happened if you all broke up. Instead of being interested, suddenly we are wondering "What is up with this guy?" -200 points
9. Photos of you on vacation are great!  Women like to know if you like to take a break from work, so it is fun to see you at the beach, in the forest, at national monuments, etc. 100 points per picture. BUT... If all of your vacation photos are shirtless with alcohol in your hand...-350 points per picture. Women are not interested in men who vacation like college spring breakers when you haven't seen the inside of a college classroom in the past five, ten, fifteen years. (Side note: This is not Facebook or Instagram.  Even if you saw an awesome sight, like a whale jumping out of the water in Alaska, please don't upload it to your dating profile.  We are on a dating site to get a preview of you, not see a picture that would make a great desktop background. -50 points per vacation shot that does not include you.)
10. FINALLY.... If you have a "selfie" picture of you in the bathroom mirror, regardless of your shirt on or off, you immediately need to take down your profile. Just don't do it. It makes you look like a total self absorbed jerk. Or that you have no friends to take your picture for you. Neither makes a woman say, "Hey, I think I want to date this guy because of his bathroom selfie." -All the points for online dating, even though the points don't matter.

Now men, it's your turn. What are photo cliches you have come across from us women? What photos and poses do we need to retire? What photos draw you in or scare you away? Sound off below!

Soulful Sunday: Only Your Love

I love Kari Jobe.  She is so anointed to lead worship.  I've had the pleasure of attending worship services she has had, including at Women of Faith last year.  I'm in love with her latest worship album, "Majestic."  I felt like she wrote the words on my heart lately.  I can listen to this and suddenly I'm transported to the presence of God.  His love and peace become renewed in my heart and my focus is shifted back to the Almighty God.  Here is a video from "Majestic," which is one of my favorite songs.  Check it out!

Soulful Sunday: You Crown The Year

 You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. (‭Psalms‬ ‭65‬:‭11‬ NLT)

Yesterday I was listening to Hillsong's Glorious Ruins. There is a song on there that really spoke to me in a new way called You Crown The Year (Psalm 65:11).  I looked up the verse and it spoke straight to the depths of my heart. Even though I may find myself in a difficult place, God has not forgotten me. As the verse says, the hard pathways will overflow with His abundance. I started to really meditate on this verse and I could look back on my life and see God's faithfulness and provision.  For example, my last year working in OKC Public schools was very hard. I had a child who was crying out for help but his parents thought the answer was to move him to another school. I had two students that destroyed my books and desks to be mean to the rest of the class. Not to mention all the testing pressure to get the class ready for third grade. It was definitely a hard pathway. But God provided. I was able to form relationships with those hard students and the parents. My class improved greatly in their math and reading skills. God kept me safe from any violence at the school. These are just a few of the blessings that come to mind.

Right now, I know so many people struggling. Life is on a hard pathway for so many I know. For me, my hard pathway is not letting my feelings dictate my situation. I know that by still praising God, still looking to Him, He will crown this hard time with blessing. It may not be to change the situation to what we want. Maybe it is to change our hearts. Maybe He will do something we didn't expect and it will be a bigger blessing than we thought. Maybe it is to take us deeper with Him.

Hold on right now. Give Him praise. Follow Him and watch Him work in your life.  I saw a great quote from a Christian pastor which went something like this:  "Even in your waiting, God is still working."  Keep your eyes fixed upon Him during your hard pathway.  Just because you cannot see it yet, does not mean that God has abandoned you.  Right now He is covering you with His abundant love and grace.  And hopefully, soon for you, the pathway will become smooth.

Thoughtful Thursday: Letters, Does Anyone Write Them Any More?

Letters.  No, not the kind on your keyboard.  Or the ones you memorized in kindergarten.  I'm talking about a good old-fashion piece of paper or card that you wrote down your thoughts on, tucked inside an envelope, and then placed a stamp on the corner to mail through what is affectionately now known as "Snail Mail."

I think because I've read through Paul's letters lately and then found a stack of letters and cards I've saved through the years for encouragement, I've thought a lot more about the impact of handwritten cards and letters.  In today's world where we tweet, wall post, text and e-mail, I think that we have lost something important in communication.  Sure, it is instant and super gratifying to communicate with people all over quickly.  But a piece of handwritten mail is something you can pull out and read over again.  Part of the sender is right there with you via their handwriting.  You can see and tell part of their personality when looking at what they wrote.  To me, it signifies an intimate and personal connection, instead of Times New Roman for everyone.  To open a card or a letter, it is like a little present.  You don't know what is inside nor what it is going to say.  And, since I've been online dating, I realize that it doesn't take much to think about what to say in an email back and forth.  But when you write a card or letter, you think very intentionally about what to write.

My challenge to you this week:  Go write one card or letter to someone.  It won't take long, probably as much time as looking at your Facebook newsfeed.  You can drop it in the mail for a price lower than one gallon of gas.  You will put a smile on someone's face and joy in their step!

What's Entertaining Me Wednesday: Stuff Christians Like by Jon Acuff

Today's What's Entertaining Me Wednesday is a book review.  And a website review.  And a Twitter review.  It is all going to be thrown together, stirred around, and hopefully by the time I'm done, you will not only have a smile on your face, but also be challenged to check out Jon Acuff.

Christians get a bad rap in the media.  We are known often for "rules" and "behaviors" that seem old fashion or ridiculous.  Christians get a bad rap among themselves too for the same oddities.  We all know they exist, sort of like that drawer or closet you don't want your guests to open up at your house.  (Yeah, THAT one.  Where all those "thoughtful" Christmas presents hang out and make friends with stuff you want to save from your childhood.)  Christians like to dance around these things, pretending, like we do with that closet, that it doesn't exist.

Not Jon Acuff.  I first ran across him several years ago when Twitter was a "newish" social media forum.  I crack up at almost every tweet.  The ones where he is pointing out the oddities of Christianity have stopped and made me think twice, and hopefully made me a more approachable Christian.  His POV on everything inside his book Stuff Christians Like has not only made me laugh but also reevaluate some things.  His section on quiet times is so humor filled yet honest.  It makes me feel ok that other people might struggle too...it is just that often in Christian circles we don't talk about it.  I don't know if it is fear from being judged.  Whatever it is, we definitely stay silent.  Thanks to his webpage, I now know what a "Jesus Juke" is.  You know, that thing where someone takes something and maneuvers it back to Jesus.  Which I've always had a problem with...I feel like that behavior along turns people off of Jesus faster than anything else.  See this picture Acuff had on his website as an example:

  

See?  Don't tell me that is not annoying.  Why I do believe that we are here on earth as Christians to share the Gospel, we live in a world that is so cynical that all this produces is mocking laughter. 

Go check out Jon Acuff.  Not only will he make you laugh, but he will make you think about the norms of Christianity.  He probably will leave you feeling that it is definitely OK to be honest and not always have a faith facade on.  And to be aware of bear attacks.  That too.

The Young Living Oil Test: Lavender

This week's Young Living Oil that I am highlighting is LAVENDER.  Last December a friend of mine was having a special offer to try the YLO oils.  I was interested because I'm kind of a granola and yogurt eating hippie.  Plus, I've really struggled with allergies, headaches, and digestive issues lately, and I was looking for some relief.  I asked her where I should start and she recommended the lavender oil, calling it the Swiss Army Knife of oils.  And she wasn't kidding.  In the past seven months, I have used this oil for many different things and all of it has helped me greatly.  Here are some of the things I've done with the oil:

1. Sleep Better.  Young Living Oil recommends that for better sleep you take two drops, rub it on your hands and then your pillow for better sleep.  I like to rub it on the bottom of my feet as well.  It definitely has helped me calm my mind and fall asleep quickly.  Now when I go to bed, I have to smell lavender to sleep!
2. Clean Better.  I put 20 drops of lavender oil in a spray bottle with some water and used it to clean windows and also as alternative to Febreeze.  Everything smells so fresh!
3. Feel Better.  When I have a stress headache, you know, the kind that starts at your neck and works your way up to your head, I take some of the oil and massage it on my neck.  Within about 10-15 minutes, I feel the tension released and my head slowly stops hurting.  Also, I was having some bad PMS a few weeks ago and I put some Lavender in my water and drank it, which helped me to feel much more calm.  Now I'm trying it out with some lemon and peppermint to help my allergies.  I'm praying I can be free of my allergy medication and feel like a normal person!
4. Heal Better.  My dad is allergic to a brand name cut ointment.  Because of this, I've never put said ointment on my body.  However, I know cuts heal better with medicine.  I got a good cut this past weekend when catsitting for The Nurse.  I've rubbed the cut twice a day with the lavender and it is healing quite nicely.  It stings a little at first, much like when you rub peroxide on a cut, but it is looking much better and healing very quickly.  Also, I had a weird bruise on my thumb and in a day, after the lavender oil, said bruise is gone.

There you go! My review and experience with lavender oil.  I'm sure that this is only scratching the surface of all the uses.  One way I am looking forward to using this oil is when school starts, is diffusing it in my classroom.  I want to create a calm environment, so I am going to diffuse it in the afternoons, which seem to be a high energy time. According to several studies, it can boost brain power and concentration while lowering stress and anxiety in the workplace, so I'm sure it will be very helpful in the classroom, especially the first few weeks when kiddos are very nervous about school and have a hard time transitioning from summer break.  (And I'm sure it will be great for the adults in the room too!) I will report back!  If you are on the fence about trying the oils, start here...you won't regret it!

*If you want more information about Lavender and the basic uses for it, check out this PDF by www.got-oils.com.  Helpful and a great printout to keep handy!  (Of course, I'm a teacher, so I really like handouts.

Matchmaker Monday: When Singleness Is Hard

Being single is hard.  I'm not even going to try and sugar coat it.  It is hard when you are in high school and all of your friends except you had a prom date.  It is hard when you are in college and are constantly "friend-zoned."  (I've been there.  I'm the Emperoress of Friend-zone land.  Which kind of looks like Elsa's ice castle and I'm singing 'Let it Go' for a number of reasons.)  It is hard in your late twenties when EVERYONE is getting together with their special someone, whether through dating or marriage.  It is hard in your thirties when your friends are popping out babies faster than you can keep up.  (2014- A very fertile year for lots of people I know.) Being single is hard.

Why do I say that? Why am I pointing out how hard it is?  Well because sometimes I think that people don't acknowledge it.  Especially Christian people and friends.  I was reading Job out of the Message last week at a small group.  As we went through it, I noticed something about Job and his well meaning friends.  You see, Job was suffering great losses because of evil in the world.  Satan was trying to draw Job away from God by causing all kinds of loss.  In fact, it got to the point, Job just sat and mourned his state of life.  He didn't know that Satan was causing all the bad.  No, Job was clueless as to the part he was playing.  Job's friends heard about his suffering and came and silently mourned with him.  But after some time, they began to offer their advice, which sounds more like, "Hey Job, you must have done something to make God mad.  Figure out your sin, repent of it, and then you'll be restored."  Job kept listening to the advice and maintained he hadn't done anything wrong.  In fact, Job finally becomes frustrated and angry with God the more he listened to the council of his friends.

Now, I'm not equating singleness to the suffering of Job.  But I have encountered a lot of friends during my singleness that are like Job's friends.  They offer advice, which if you are single you've heard. "Well, be more content with Jesus.  Once you're satisfied in Him, your spouse will come into your life."  "Maybe if you went to another church where it was easier to meet people." "When I gave up and stopped looking, that is when it happened."  "Have you tried online dating?"  "What about set-ups?"  "Keep asking God, He will bless you with someone soon."  "Maybe God is trying to teach you something."  The list goes on.  You all could probably fill the comments section with well meaning but not the best advice.  Why do I say it isn't the best?  Because often times for singles, that advice can plant a seed where we can easily become frustrated and angry with God, just like Job.

Does that mean I want all my friends or family to leave me alone when it is hard?  No, probably the exact opposite.  I think what all single people desire when it gets hard is what Job's friends did first.  We just need you to sit and listen for a while.  Come over to our house and watch some TV with us.  Meet us for a run at the park.  Help us discover our favorite ice cream flavor.  And when it is really hard and we just need someone to cry with us for a moment, hand us a tissue.  Then, remind us, not of us, not of our situation, but instead, remind us of God's character.  Instead of advising our situation, remind us that we serve the Great I AM.  Remind us that God is a good and perfect father, giving us good and perfect gifts.  Remind us that God loved us so much that while we were still sinners God sent Jesus to die for us.  Remind us that God has a plan for us, one that will show the world of His Love. Remind us that while we may have trouble in this world, God will give us peace. The truth of WHO God is will carry us through the hard times.

So if you are single and it is hard right now, find someone or a few someones to sit with you in the hard time.  Point yourself back to the truth of God's character.  Spend sometime being honest with God.  It won't "magically" fix your situation, but it will fix your focus onto GREATER things.  And then you can walk forward into the hard times.

Soulful Sunday: In The Fire

It seems like I've been going through some emotionally stretching times.  Nothing major has happened, it is just that there has been an internal struggle for me about trusting God.  Today I wanted to post two incredible sermons that encouraged me and hopefully will encourage you.  The pastor is Carl Lentz, from Hillsong NYC.  There is definitely some real talk in these messages.  Listen and be encouraged!

Saturday's List: Changes Up Ahead!

Hello My Friends!

If you haven't noticed, or if you have, the blogs have become sparse the past four months.  Part of it is the season that I'm in right now with God.  It has been difficult and hard to process.  Before posting anything, I really wanted to wrap my head around it because if I blog out of feelings, I could say something I would regret.  Not only that, but I know God is asking me to become more public with some of my struggles, to help encourage others, and I've avoided it.  However, I feel like I'm in a good place to obey and move forward with some things.

If you personally know me, you know that I can be heavily interested in about, oh say, 40 different things at once.  Maybe I have ADD and I've never been formally diagnosed.  Maybe I want to live life to the fullest.  Whatever that may be, it is difficult for me to have a blog that focuses in only on one part of my life.  I'm making some changes in order to address all of my current interests and passions at the moment.  Some of the posts will stay familiar, while I am adding new topics for the week.  Hopefully this will be beneficial not only to myself, but to you my friends.  With that being said, here is how the blog is going to work:

Sunday- Soulful Sunday: A post about what is speaking to me in my relationship with God.  It may be a song, sermon, or something I read in the Bible.

Monday- Matchmaker Monday:  A post about how to be a Christian Single Woman and the unique journey I'm on to let God bring my husband in my life.

Tuesday- The Young Living Oil Test:  I've become hooked on YLO recently.  I've just become  a member, so one a week, I'm going to pick an oil, tell you what it is for and review it as well.

Wednesday- What is Entertaining Me Wednesday:  Just a short post on the book, movie, TV show, or music that is entertaining me this week.

Thursday- Thoughtful Thursday:  A post on something I'm contemplating for the week.  It could be how OKC needs a breakfast delivery service to an opinion about religious freedom.

Friday- Fresh Start Friday:  A blog dedicated to health and fitness.

Saturday- Saturday's List:  All the random stuff that doesn't fit anywhere else!

Cheers friends!  Hope you enjoy the reboot!

Ames

It is Radiant Shades of Black, White, and Gray

God definitely is continuing teaching me about His sovereignty over all. Last year, He placed quite a few circumstances to help me see things are not always defined in black and white terms, but more often black, white, and gray.  Because of this, and because I often miss the gray area when thinking, I decided to capture any picture that I take for Instagram this year in black and white. I haven't taken many this year, but each time I do, I notice so many variations and nuances in black, white, and gray. Sometimes the images look so different and I see details I would have missed had the image stayed in full color. 

Life is like that for me. If you look at the picture above, I was using these items to begin a new art project. I was experimenting with using some different materials and new ways to manipulate the materials. After I finished, I was frustrated because it didn't look anything like I anticipated. I felt like the project was a failure. I was angry because I wasted time experimenting when I could have made progress on the actual project.  I should have just stuck to what I knew how to do.  After leaving the papers on the floor for a while, I came back and snapped a picture of the pile. I turned the image into black and white and my perspective changed. I could see where I shaded better. I could see the graphic impact of the design better. I could also see where I could improve and modify to create more of what I desired. Instead of feeling like a failure, I saw where I could make changes and go forward in learning.  By seeing the radiant shades of gray, I saw that it was ok that I tried something new. It allowed me to grow in my artistic abilities.

God allows circumstances to come into our lives. Instead of seeing them as black and white, failure or success, maybe it is time to view the circumstances through the radiant shades of gray. What was good about that experience? Where did we grow? What can we take forward with us? I'm reminded of a conversation I had with some of my single friends a few months ago. We were talking about God bringing dating situations into our lives and it not working out like we hoped. One friend made a very profound statement. She said that while meeting this man for coffee could be viewed as another failed attempt in dating, it actually opened her eyes to how mature a Christian man could be, and that is what she was looking for in life. She didn't see the coffee date as black or white, but saw the truth through the radiant shades of gray. Her perspective helped me view my circumstances in a different way. I may think this friendship failure, or this way of teaching math failed, but instead I need to look at the radiant shades of gray and learn.

Where do you need a little radiant shades of gray perspective today? Take a moment and reflect on those things you feel are either successes or failures. Process them with grace and find where you can take those lessons with you into the future.

Soulful Sunday: This is Amazing Grace

My new favorite song about GRACE

Saturday's List

Brought to you by the letter P

1. People: I'm guilty of getting trapped into thinking all about me a lot of times instead of thinking about others. Sometimes I need to step outside of myself and think how I could better love others. Maybe it is some quality time, an encouraging word or an act of service that I need to schedule or do.

2. Perspective. When faced with difficult decisions, I tend to get bogged down in the details and see things from a limited perspective. It is good to stop and ask others for their view points. Often it gives a fresh perspective and decisions become easier to make.

3. Popularity. I used to struggle a lot in school. I never wanted to be popular, but I also never wanted to do something that went against the popular wave. Lately I've struggled with how I view myself because in my eyes, my life is not one that would be popular in American society. It has been a daily struggle to lay it all down and be obedient to God's calling right now.

4. Patience. Apparently I have none. :-) I want things in my life to happen and I'm tired of waiting. Every opportunity feels more like a missed chance. For example, last Sunday night my church offered a connection event for people to find a life group. I thought this was great since I've prayed for a new group. However, the event was really hard for me to meet a leader of a group that would be a good fit. Maybe it is because I'm introverted in situations like that, but by the evening's end, I felt like it was a missed chance.  I guess I just need to continue in patient prayers.

New Favorite Bible People: Bezalel and Oholiab

Exodus 35:30-35 (NLT)

Then Moses told the people of Israel, “The Lord has specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. The Lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft. And the Lord has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach their skills to others. The Lord has given them special skills as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet thread on fine linen cloth, and weavers. They excel as craftsmen and as designers.

Have you ever felt like you had a gift or ability that you had to keep under wraps?  You knew it was something you liked to do, yet you felt like you might not be good enough.  Or maybe you wanted to develop the talent but the people surrounding you didn't encourage you to grow in that area.  Perhaps you may have even felt judged for having that desire or talent.

That was how I felt in my heart for a long time about my interest and abilities in the arts.  As a Christian, especially as I got older, I really didn't meet many in my faith community that were supportive of the arts.  Sure, my family was supportive, but once outside of that comfort zone, things seemed uncomfortable.  And of course it became more uncomfortable for me because many in the artistic community couldn't understand why I would incorporate my faith into the arts, that it was too cliche', not edgy enough, like the monologue I did for competitive drama.  I couldn't reconcile the artistic side with my faith, so for a long time, I just ignored it.  

My senior year in college, I took an art for non-majors class and I loved it.  In the class, the professor told us how he incorporated his Native American spirituality into all of his paintings.  A light bulb went off in my head.  If he could be bold enough and do that, then why couldn't I do the same with my Christian faith?  Ever since then, I have tried to do incorporate my faith in various pieces I do.  

Last fall, after being moved by some very spiritually intimate worship music, my soul was stirred to continue to develop this artistic nature through my dancing ability.  I found a local Christian dance studio and enrolled in their adult ballet class.  It has been fun-in fact sometimes it feels like I had memorized ballet so deeply I had never stopped.  (Which I do dream about dancing quite often.)  As I'm learning and developing this ability to worship God, I have felt more at peace with myself.

Now the passage from Exodus.  How does this all come together?  One day as I was listening to my one year reading plan aloud, I was struck by the actual naming of Bezalel and Oholiab and the fact that it says that the Lord gave them their abilities.  It touched my heart.  I felt the Holy Spirit whispering to me that God has given me artistic abilities like these two men to worship Him.  I may not be able to sing or play an instrument like most people think what qualifies as worship.  But, I can paint or draw a picture that can express my heart to the Lord.  I can create art that encourages and further's God's mission on earth.  I can dance for the Lord, telling a story of His love and compassion for all.  These are my special gifts and abilities God has given me to worship Him.  Being artistic isn't bad, it isn't a divergent from traditional Christianity.  Just like Bezalel and Oholiab, this is how God made me and I can use it for His Glory.  I will not hide it away anymore!

What I'm Listening to Wednesday...

Happy Wintery Wednesday!  Enjoy!

Soulful Sunday

I was listening to some old playlists on my ipod this week and came across this song from about five years ago.  I loved it then, and I love it still.  The words are so pure and honest.  It reminds me of a modern day Psalm.  Listen and be refreshed!

Saturday's List

Things I've Learned in the First Two Months of 2014

1. Winter can be really cold. Really cold. Really really cold. Winter is definitely NOT my favorite!

2. Most people think Valentine's Day is for love. Well, according to my kindergarten class it isn't. Valentine's Day is about making everything pink and eating lots of candy. Now that we all know the true meaning of Valentine's Day, let's go forward celebrating pink and candy!

3. Dansko clogs are the best shoe for standing all day long. They may not be the most fashion forward shoe on the planet, but they are awesome for my feet and my back at the end of the day. Plus they provide great protection from accidentally getting stepped on by five and six year olds.

4. Honesty is important and telling only a part of the story has the same impact as lying. As one of my best friends from high school can tell you, I would always say, "Honesty is the best policy."

5. I'm trying to follow a reading plan to read through the Bible entirely this year. It started off a bit different than traditional plans, and I read Daniel first. That is an amazing book and probably one of my favorites right now. Currently though I'm struggling through Exodus. It's been hard for me to read. What is your favorite book of the Bible? What is a book that is hard for you to read?

6. I jumped on the bandwagon and read the Divergent series. I liked the first book a lot, but I was disappointed with the way the trilogy finished. I didn't disagree with the ending but I didn't like the style of writing. 

7. Speaking of reading, I thought I would take some book recommendations. Anything super amazing out there that I need to read?

8. Kindergarteners make me laugh. It is pretty much like those ATT&T commericals everyday. I had a conversation with a few of them the other day that was hilarious. They asked me what I did with my kids at home. I told them I didn't have any kids because I wasn't married. One kid totally flipped out and said, "How are you living? How can you survive? You need a husband to pay for your house and your food." Then another kid piped up, "Miss Leochner is a grown-up, she can take care of herself. She doesn't have to have a husband."  Too funny.

9. We start our Dr. Seuss unit at school next week. This always is a marking point because it usually means we only have three months left in the school year.  Every year, I always start thinking, "This is the last..." or "I really need to do this so they are ready for next year...." It becomes a mixed time of emotions as my time to shepherd them winds down. 

10.  Relationships are important, especially with family. Don't ever forget that. Learn to forgive and love. No one is perfect and if you spend your time looking for perfection or harboring unforgiveness, you might miss out on a rich and abundant life. Love is the answer. 

How is that New Year word coming along?

Hello my friends!

I am back after a long hiatus.  As you may remember, I wrote about having a having a specific word from God to focus on in the new year, and my word is PEACE.  Within the idea of peace, I have listened to God and I needed to take some steps to have a more simplified life, both in my spiritual times and in my physical, waking life.  Hence, the new layout, which I need to do some cleaning up and changes to it so it is completely simple.  I view the new look to the blog as part of a fresh start for 2014.

With the idea of peace, I was really trying to listen to what God wanted me to learn or do about peace.  Instead of instantly walking on a peaceful cloud, God has brought lots of situations in my life where I have had to claim His peace.  I am six weeks into the new year and there is already lots of change happening.  I share with you a few:

1. I stopped serving in LifeKids. Yes, you have read that right.  I was on call as a sub, but things kept happening where I couldn't sub.  After much debate and praying, I feel like I'm on a break from serving in LifeKids right now.  While I enjoyed sharing God's love with all kinds of kids from birth to ??, God has shown me right now I need to be still.  I am ministering to kids five days a week with my job as a teacher.  I was finding it hard to have enough in me to minister six days a week.  God has shown me there are seasons in life, and right now, my season is not serving in LifeKids.  It has been difficult for me to accept because I can't imagine not serving.  In fact, it has felt strange to just go to church.  But I know that God has a purpose and a plan, and if this some how, right now, leads to more peace, then I need to submit to it.  I know that one day, God will call me back to serve and I need to rest now to be ready at the right time.
2. My lifegroup for the past four years has stopped meeting together.  (Notice I didn't say stopped being friends...we have just stopped meeting to study the Word together in a discipleship manner.)  This one was really hard for me to have peace about.  I was fearful I would lose the friendships that I have made.  It still terrifies me a little to think about going to a new lifegroup.  I loved the women that God brought into my life the past four years.  However, it is very apparent that for the majority of the group, God has a new season up ahead for them and frankly, our group just wasn't the right place.  I am thankful for the lifelong friendships I've made and I trust God's guidance for a new group.  I have quite worked up the courage to go to a new one yet.  I did some looking, and really felt like I should look for a co-ed group.  I tried to look at singles groups, but have found that 31 is over quite a few group's age limit.  At the same time, I'm too young for the 'older' single groups that start around 40.  I looked at some of the ones that included both married and single people, but the day or time wasn't right.  So now I'm just waiting and hoping to make a connection to another group.  I know that God is got this, but I would be lying if I didn't say that I'm still anxious about it at times and have to turn to peace from Him.
3. Speaking of peace...I don't know if it is because I know so many people ushering in a new season of life or because Valentine's Day is around the corner and EVERY commercial on TV is about it, but I'm having a hard time finding peace about being single.  I look at my life and think to myself, "God, you know that I've really prayed to have a husband and to meet him for the past seven years.  What is taking so long?"  I have even found myself considering myself a permanent bachelorette.  In fact, the other day, I really found myself making some long term goals and when I finished, I realized that none of the goals really allowed for a husband to be involved.  I even think to myself, "Well this is it.  It is the end.  All those feeble online dating attempts, all the set-ups, they didn't work.  You're over 30 now, in fact, you will be 32 in May, so just forget about it.  If a man your age range wanted to get married, he is going to pick someone in their 20s because that is the way it goes." As you can probably tell, there is no peace there in my heart.  So once again, I'm turning to God to ask Him to get me that peace.

As I reflected on God and His word for me, peace, I realized that He is giving me peace by placing me in situations where I am having to call on Him for the peace.  I'm reminded of the lyric from Oceans, "And I will call upon Your name, and keep my eyes above the waves.  When oceans rise my soul will rest in Your embrace for I am Yours and You are mine."  Even though I don't know when I can serve in LifeKids again, when I will find my next lifegroup, if I will ever get married, I know God is holding my future in His hands.  If I call on Him, He will let the peace of Christ rule in my heart and that will be enough for me to walk daily through the uncertainty and change right now.