My clan
MY life is definitely good!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Being "Blessing Conscious"
Our words are like photographs of our thoughts. The moment we express them, we empower them. We also create a climate that affects everything and everyone around us.
Being mother to a large family, I fight the tendency to whine and complain about so many things all the time. Every time I voice a complaint, I feel ugly. I seldom see much good come from the negative and often sarcastic comments I spit out there, yet it's like I think everyone is going to jump up and change my world.
David said, “I complained and my spirit was overwhelmed.” (Psalm 77) The more we complain, the more we believe our complaints. Likewise, on days when cheerfulness is my creed, I seem to get happier as the day progresses - as do those around me.
Two weeks ago, I was on a team that led an ACTS retreat for women at my church. I needed a get-away as much as the retreatants did, and am so glad I had said yes to serving on the team. It was truly a mountain-top experience with the Beloved and a shot in the arm for my tired mind, body and soul. As a result, I feel much refreshed now.
Interestingly enough, the team spends most of the weekend "serving" other women - the first time retreatants. We sleep less hours, run behind the scenes setting up for each 'event', feed them, love on them, take care of every need they might have - and yet, it is a labor of love. (That description sounds much like my job description as a mother and even at my job as coordinator of a Catholic campus ministry to college students.) Nonetheless, after catching up on some sleep the day after the retreat, I feel amazingly refreshed and renewed. God had plenty of 'good stuff' for me that weekend, as well.
Most of the time, however, I can’t seem to give myself permission to take time “for me.” I think that is true for so many people, especially women. We grew up “burden-conscious,” instead of “blessing-conscious.” We say things like, “I don’t have time.” "Who will do my work?” “No one appreciates how much I do or how much I need this.” Or even, “I don’t deserve it.”
Who created our schedule any way? Do we get our self worth from carrying the world on our shoulders? Does the voice in our head say, “If I don’t do everything perfectly, and on time…I’m a failure…others won’t respect me…need me…love me?” Look out! That’s the voice of pride! However humble and self-sacrificing it may sound, it’s just pride. We all have limits and we all need time to recharge.
What’s really important in our lives? If we had only a year to live, we’d figure out in a hurry, wouldn’t we? Three things would change right away: We’d place more value on what we have, than on what we want. We wouldn’t be in such a hurry. Being right and perfect would lose their appeal.
Instead of complaining and being overwhelmed today, why don’t we count our blessings, and figure out what’s really important. And if you have to get away for a day, or two, or more - DO IT! I recommend a retreat. They refresh you at such a deeper level, but, however you can take a break "for you", find a way. You will thank yourself and so will those around you!
Being mother to a large family, I fight the tendency to whine and complain about so many things all the time. Every time I voice a complaint, I feel ugly. I seldom see much good come from the negative and often sarcastic comments I spit out there, yet it's like I think everyone is going to jump up and change my world.
David said, “I complained and my spirit was overwhelmed.” (Psalm 77) The more we complain, the more we believe our complaints. Likewise, on days when cheerfulness is my creed, I seem to get happier as the day progresses - as do those around me.
Two weeks ago, I was on a team that led an ACTS retreat for women at my church. I needed a get-away as much as the retreatants did, and am so glad I had said yes to serving on the team. It was truly a mountain-top experience with the Beloved and a shot in the arm for my tired mind, body and soul. As a result, I feel much refreshed now.
Interestingly enough, the team spends most of the weekend "serving" other women - the first time retreatants. We sleep less hours, run behind the scenes setting up for each 'event', feed them, love on them, take care of every need they might have - and yet, it is a labor of love. (That description sounds much like my job description as a mother and even at my job as coordinator of a Catholic campus ministry to college students.) Nonetheless, after catching up on some sleep the day after the retreat, I feel amazingly refreshed and renewed. God had plenty of 'good stuff' for me that weekend, as well.
Most of the time, however, I can’t seem to give myself permission to take time “for me.” I think that is true for so many people, especially women. We grew up “burden-conscious,” instead of “blessing-conscious.” We say things like, “I don’t have time.” "Who will do my work?” “No one appreciates how much I do or how much I need this.” Or even, “I don’t deserve it.”
Who created our schedule any way? Do we get our self worth from carrying the world on our shoulders? Does the voice in our head say, “If I don’t do everything perfectly, and on time…I’m a failure…others won’t respect me…need me…love me?” Look out! That’s the voice of pride! However humble and self-sacrificing it may sound, it’s just pride. We all have limits and we all need time to recharge.
What’s really important in our lives? If we had only a year to live, we’d figure out in a hurry, wouldn’t we? Three things would change right away: We’d place more value on what we have, than on what we want. We wouldn’t be in such a hurry. Being right and perfect would lose their appeal.
Instead of complaining and being overwhelmed today, why don’t we count our blessings, and figure out what’s really important. And if you have to get away for a day, or two, or more - DO IT! I recommend a retreat. They refresh you at such a deeper level, but, however you can take a break "for you", find a way. You will thank yourself and so will those around you!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Whoa! What happened?
I forgot I had a blog. What happened?!
I cannot believe it has been almost one year since my last post. What a difference a year makes!
Last year this time, we were reeling from the news of our little Clara's diagnosis of leukemia. We all held closely guarded our secret fears that we would lose her before her life had really begun. Today, we laugh and marvel at her progress and her spirit as she moves forward and away from her bone marrow transplant to continued health and freedom. She is absolutely an amazing little miracle.
Last year this time, I had just taken on a new job as Secretary/Coordinator of St. Peter's Catholic Student Center at Baylor University. At the time, I was mostly staring down the barrel of a filthy clean up job. I had thrown myself into cleaning out closets and file drawers and trying to create some sense of organization into a badly neglected building. As the year progressed, I learned how to design and manage a website, keep books on Quickbooks for a non-profit, support an annual giving program, write newsletters, manage a database, supervise an ethics and integrity program, manage weekly bulletins and announcements, feed the hungry at weekly Mass lunches, hunt down a missing priest, and counsel students who need advise or just want someone to talk to.
Last year this time, my two teenagers ('the babies') were trying to find their way in their new high school and make some friends. Now, they are Mr. and Miss Popularity at school. John Mark is reveling in his membership in the school spirit squad, "Blue Crew" and everyone knows his face and loves his crazy fun personality. Mary Kate had to say goodbye to all the seniors who embraced her into their inner sanctum last year and is getting to know her own class better. Miss Popularity had to bring herself down to her own age group finally. Ha! They are definitely settled. When I asked John Mark this summer if he would want to move back to South Carolina if we could, he said without hesitation, "No way!" (I was actually quite surprised!)
What a difference a year makes!
Last year this time, I had started to blog. Hmm...
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