So I guess that everyone has an idea of what “sin” is, whether you are a Christian or not. Generally, people regard sin as what “not to do,” but do we really understand sin the way we should? Do we see it as a list of things we shouldn’t do or do we understand why we shouldn’t do them? God wants good things for us but we have to understand that we live in an imperfect world. Bad things happen to good people and that is that. So why worry about right and wrong when crummy things still happen? Newsflash: our lives are not about us. Sobering but true, our lives are not about what we do but about who we do them for. What is your purpose? What are your goals and your dreams? Does it reflect your selfish desires or does it reflect whom you serve? We can gain everything the world has to offer, but if we don’t realize that God is enough for us, does it even matter? I believe that is where sin sets in and becomes real-when God is no longer enough for us and we have to find our satisfaction in other things. This is where sin becomes controlling and takes us over; this is where sin becomes our focus; this is where sin traps us and so entangles us that we can’t even wiggle a toe free to stand on. Trapped and bound to the thing that we thought would make us happy and free us, wondering when we will finally reach our selfish goal but never attaining it: this is the real picture of sin. It doesn’t matter what the sin may be, but the result will always be the same-separation from God. Remember we are separated from God because we no longer see him as enough. So why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we choose bondage over freedom? No excuses here-don’t want to hear the “oh, but we live in a sinful world” routine again. So what do we do? How do we break free from this life-sucking feeling we have imposed on ourselves? Again, it is not about us, so it is not something that we do but something that only God can do. In God there is life and freedom and truth. There is a wonderful life we can live when we realize that God is enough, that freedom comes when we surrender ourselves to him and the truth is we live our lives for him, not ourselves. So when the chains are so tight that the air is thin, what do we do? God will provide a way out. How do I know? “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) I love the wording ” you can stand up under it” because when I think of bondage I think of being trapped in chains not being able to stand or even move. God will always provide a way out-an escape; but you have to take it. You have the choice to continue in your bondage to sin or to take the way out to freedom. So when Satan thinks he has won by telling you the lie that God is not enough, take the escape route. Feel the chains fall from you and be restored to the life of freedom that is waiting for you-the one that God longs for you to enjoy-the one that screams from every ounce of your being that God is enough, and that is that.
So I found myself in a situation the other day and the message sent to me from it immediately slapped me in the face. No, I didn’t physically get slapped, but the impact this message had on me will leave me with a great scar; not a bad scar, but the kind you like to keep around because of the good story behind it. So my daughter was in trouble and I really wish I could remember what actually happened, but the impact has overshadowed the incident. If I had to guess, she was probably in trouble for not listening, as this is what usually leads to being “in trouble” at our house. As I was correcting her, I remembered telling her to go to her room. At this point she had tears streaming down her face and she was loudly crying; reaching out to me she cried “please mommy, give me a hug!” In that moment, as my daughter so desperately needed to know my love, I realized how similarly I feel when I mess up and so desperately want my Father to give me a hug and let me know that everything is going to be okay. Now, of course there are consequences to our actions, but “neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord,” and aren’t we so glad that is true! So instead of yelling and sending her straight off to her room, I gently give my daughter a hug, reassure her that my love is there, and then send her to her room with the confidence that my love will always remain. What a great lesson and a constant reminder to myself; just when I think I am teaching my kids, I realize that I am learning from them (isn’t it great how God uses people and circumstances that are unexpected in order to teach us!).
North Richland Hills Mayor Oscar Trevino hosted the Mayor’s Fun Walk last Saturday in order to promote healthy lifestyles. Everyone was divided into “fit districts” according to the location in which they live; our family is on the red team (yes, red is leading now for the most steps logged!). What a beautiful day for a walk! The sun was shining and everyone was in great spirits. After completing some warm-up stretching and listening to the “Husky Harmonics” perform a little tune, we were off to walk. Everyone had a great time and the American Heart Association was also representing there too! Check out the footage from North Richland Hills Parks and Recreation-great job with a worthy event! (GO RED!) Here is the video: CLICK HERE!!!
“Husky Harmonics”
My Family: My hubby with his allergy smile.
Me and my girls
North Richland Hills Parks and Recreation held the annual Easter in the Park on Saturday March 27, 2010. I had the privilege of volunteering once again for one of their great events. WOW! I never realized how intense and Easter egg hunt could be! Kids and parents were everywhere, striving to get that one great egg. I have to admit, I have had little experience with organized egg hunts in my life. Growing up, we used to find our Easter eggs after church on Easter Sunday, and then we would take turns hiding them for each other; it was always lots of fun because you actually had to hunt for the eggs instead of just picking them up from a field. Oh, don’t think I am criticizing, it is just different for me. I have always had an affinity for a good mystery! So the following weekend we held an Easter egg hunt for the underprivileged children from the Roanoke Elementary School. It too was a success! The children not only had fun collecting the eggs, but also had so much fun making Easter bunnies out of paper bags and coloring Easter eggs too. What a great opportunity it was to not only provide some fun for the children, but also to show them God’s love!
What motivates you? I mean, what really makes you get out of bed in the morning? For me, I have a few things that really keep me going. First of all, I like to get up early to exercise. It is pretty much the only time I get uninterrupted time. I then spend some “quiet time” reading my Bible-usually in the bathroom-again a little time to myself in the morning. My husband and my children keep me going as I love to take care of them and do life with them. But, when I really think about it, these are things that make me happy-happiness is a fleeting feeling. Joy comes from within. If I have joy inside, no matter what the circumstance, I will continue to be motivated because it is not just a feeling but something much deeper-something not generated from myself but something that generates me. It is a “calling” for me to be more than merely existing on a day to day basis. I feel I am called to be my best all of the time for when I am not, I feel like I am not fulfilling my calling. -”And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to him through God the Father.” (Colossians 3:17) I love this verse because this is true motivation. What I do has meaning because it is not about me. So, whether I am taking care of a sick patient at work, making dinner for my family or even just doing laundry-my joy is from within and my motivation to continue sustains me.
So I recently had the opportunity to serve as a course monitor for the Fort Worth Cowtown marathon. I had a great time encouraging all the runners as they ran by me and as I assisted to show them the way to go. WOW! It was amazing to see these dedicated runners accomplishing their goals. My husband, along with some of his friends, ran the half marathon. One of our friends from Nashville, Josh DeVine, had an unfortunate experience just a few steps away from the finish line…..he cramped up, landed on the ground, and had to be brought over the finish line in a golf cart! He also was in an article in the Star Telegram about it! Even still, he completed his goal; maybe it was not exactly how he had envisioned it, but nevertheless, he finished. What are you working toward today? How close are you to accomplishing your goal? How committed are you to finishing, no matter what kinks may be thwarted into the equation?
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Anne Frank
(or before starting to improve yourself!)
So Happy New Year everyone! Well what will 2010 bring and what are those resolutions that you have planned? I think many people start to reflect on the past year and think about what they would like to change or do differently in the new year, but how successful are we in KEEPING our resolutions? Do we make resolutions out of obligation or do we really want to change? I guess a lot of it depends on WHY we want to change-what is the motivation behind it? I guess I don’t have wonderful words of wisdom for the new year; just some questions to ponder. So I leave you with one last question to ponder before the stroke of midnight launches us into a new year of mysteries to uncover: What would you do in 2010 if you knew you could not fail?
North Richland Hills recently held their annual Night of Holiday Magic. This event was a great opportunity for folks of all ages to have fun and enjoy the Christmas season (and of course Santa was there!). I was able to assist with the train rides-no I didn’t get to drive them. I am pretty sure that someone knows better than to let me drive a kiddie train-I can be klutzy at times! It was a good time but I didn’t get many pictures because it was freezing that night and my family didn’t stick around too long! Christmas is my favorite holiday-I love the smells and sounds and sights of this wonderful season. It is a great time to speak with my children about the birth of Jesus and it is amazing some of the questions that kids ask! Christmastime becomes so busy and consumerized that I long for the days to just be still and enjoy the calm, the quaint, the homemade and the things that don’t cost money but cost a lot-your time. My daughter at age 5 gets it, so why do so many people NOT get it? The other night my Ella said I don’t even care if I get a present. She gets it-she doesn’t want things, just our time. She wants to sit by the fireplace and read a book with her family; she wants to give away some of her toys to children who need them; she wants to sing Christmas songs about Jesus at the top of her voice because she knows that is what it is all about; that is the real magic.
On November 11th I had a blessed opportunity to participate in the annual Veteran’s Day Celebration at Liberty Park in North Richland Hills. It was a wonderful event to honor our military and I was proud to be a part of it by reading a poem entitled Veteran’s Day Tribute by Joanna Fuchs. Although the planned speaker for the event was deployed on a mission the night before, Councilman David Whitson gladly and proudly spoke in his place. From the wonderful sounds of music from the Fort Worth Christian School quartet and choirs to taps being played by Bugles Across America, this event was truly patriotic. Great job North Richland Hills Parks and Recreation!
On Halloween I had the privilege of participating in the Hoot N’ Howl in North Richland Hills. What a great event! A safe way to have fun with your family and the turnout was great. From costume contests, to bounce houses, to lots of candy, there were lots of fun things to do. I actually read Halloween stories to children-of course they weren’t scary stories-and I am pretty sure some of them were so silly I was laughing out loud while I was reading them! Thanks to the Parks and Recreation department of North Richland Hills for a great success! Oh-and don’t forget to check out the pictures!
Natalie Ready To Go To The Hoot and Howl
Ella as Super Girl Ready To Go To The Hoot and Howl
Daddy as DJ Lance from Yo Gabba Gabba with his girls before we leave for the Hoot and Howl
Me as Snow White Reading Stories To The Kids
The Cute Little Girl That Was Enamored With Snow White
Kids Were Intent Listening To The Stories
Eagerly Awaiting What Will Happen In The Story
