35 Years Young

Well, it happened again. I am another year older. Last night a few friends from Starbucks and beyond got together to help me celebrate. Needless to say, it was a blast. For pics go here. FYI...only 3 days to go and all will be revealed. I am so ready for it to be over. "See" ya Friday.

What's Important to YOU?

I have heard it said, more times than I'd like in recent weeks that WE MAKE TIME FOR WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO US.
Here is my list as of late, in order

1. Praying
2. My husband and kids
3. Work
4. Sleep which includes naps in the sun ;-)
5. Church and friends

I am sad to say Church and friends has not been at the top of my list lately. In fact I recently sent a card to a good friend of mine out of state because I felt it was the only way I could make time to let her know I was thinking about her. I love her and when she called to thank me for the card we spent an hour on the phone. It was so amazing to re-connect. Before we hung up she even said next time just call. I know she is right, I just feel like no one has time for that anymore so instead of bothering people I just don't. It's kind of crazy for me to be this way because I try hard to live by the words TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WOULD WANT TO BE TREATED. In fact it's one of our family motto's. I just get so tired of reaching out to others and no one reaching back. Does anyone else feel like this? What kinds of things are important to you?

How Are You?? (Just over 15 days to go by the way)

How many times a day do you ask someone how they are? Personally, there are days when its too many to count. For example at Starbucks where I work, if I am running the front or drive thru this is often the first thing I ask. Why do we ask this? It's an age old argument. Well, it's the polite thing to do right? OK, so maybe it is but do I really want to know? If a customer was to sit there and start telling me how they were late for work, had a fight with their spouse, yelled at their kids, needed the caffeine so they wouldn't have road rage on the way to work do I really care? The truth is right then and there, NO I don't care. Not because I am heartless but because the line has to move and I don't have time. There is never enough time is there? Isn't that how we feel. I think once a connection has been made then we might open up and tell people exactly how it is. I have a few friends in my life who when we talk will truly want to know how I am. In fact I had one of these talks just this morning with a friend from far a way. It is always refreshing because I can tell her anything and she never judges me, just prays and gives her advice. We all need people like that in our life.

So, here is some vulnerability...lately I have had some anxiety. Here and there, nothing too bad. Last night, I had so much anxiety I felt as if the bed was going to collapse under the weight. Truthfully, there is much to be anxious about. But, what was so draining for me was lying there and even through all my praying and begging to God there was no reprieve. WHY? Was I not praying the right way? Was I not saying the right scripture? Am I chemically imbalanced? HA!!
I don't think it is any of those things, I just think it's something I need to work through. If you are having anxiety, here are some scriptures we all know. Let's band together and pray for each other. Let's lift each other up when the weight of the world is trying to crush us. Lets take time to listen when we ask someone how they are.
Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things. God will bring you to judgment.

So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.
Psalm 94:19 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.

1 Peter 5:6-8Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.