Saturday, January 1, 2011

Twenty-Ten

What a year it was!
It proved to be the most life changing, extraordinary, revealing year of my life.

Here's my Top Five Highlights of 2010, not in any particular order.....

*Becoming a Mother.
*Continuing my healthy relationship with Tony.
*Family vacation with my Mother and Father together (first time since I was a young child.)
*Experiencing all of Leityn's first.
*Pursuing a deeper relationship with God, being baptized, and committing myself to School of Discipleship and fasting in 2011.


Of course, becoming a mother on the 3rd day of the year set the tone for the 362 days that followed. I spent most of my year enthralled in our sweet Leityn bug. I always knew I wanted to be a mother. And I always knew I wanted a boy (first). But I had no idea my heart could feel the things it’s felt since Leityn arrived. I was so scared when we first found out I was pregnant. I spent a good part of 2009 worrying about things like financially raising a child, being two hours away from family, having to be a working mother, and just being able to give myself completely to another person. I prepared our home and my mind for his arrival. I knew exactly how I wanted to do certain things that would set the tone for his nourishing growth. There towards the end of 2009 a very quite calm came over me and I knew that if I trusted myself and my child to God, we would be okay no matter money, distance, separation anxiety and without a doubt we were already so connected I had no trouble giving myself to him. My worries were gone. And like most mothers, I quickly realized nothing happened the way I prepared for it. But being his mother, taking care of him, loving him, nurturing him, calming him, and creating a comfortable environment for him to flourish in all came naturally to me from the first moment. I realized like all relationships, this one would not be perfect. I accepted that I couldn't take things personally and this was a learning curve for us both. I agreed that I wouldn't compare my child to other children, because he is his own self and will do things his own way. I figured out that I may second guess myself for the rest of his life. I decided that personal opinions from others where just that, and I didn't have to listen if I didn't want to because I know best for my child. And I continue to be amazed that my motherly intuition is generally the best answer for us all (which takes care of the initial second guessing.) But best of all I have realized in having the willingness to wholeheartedly give myself to my son, I am the one that reaps endless rewards. I always considered myself a pretty selfish person. But, I must admit that jumping feet first into parenting and knowing when I wake in the morning I have to do what is best for my child has just come natural to me. Nothing about parenting is easy. There is no real book you can read that will tell you exactly what you need to know. And I learn something new every day. But I do believe if you put your heart into it, it can be the best thing you have ever experienced. It has been for me anyways.

I have to say that all of this has been easier for me because I have an amazing teammate. For the first time in my life I am the other half of a healthily, exciting, emotional, and joyful relationship. Meeting Tony was one of the happiest times of my life. And the fact that we have spent this year growing closer and further committing ourselves to another and to Leityn has been wonderful. I know I brag on him a lot but that is because I know he is rare and I know how lucky I am that I get to share my life with him. It's not every day that you find a man that loves to cook, do laundry, wash dishes, change diapers, clean the car, and all those other household duties we usually have to beg a man to do. He's always willing and ready when I need him. And most of you know, he is an amazing cook. I mean I love to cook myself, but when I realized I enjoyed his food more and I got to relax while he was in the kitchen; it was like a two for one deal. But, I don't just love him for all the things he does for me. He is my best friend. We always say "not only do I love you, but I like you as well." He respects me as a person and as a woman. He strives for my well-being. There are not too many things about Tony I dislike. When we are together I feel like a teenager again. We still get excited when we see each other and miss one another when we are away. We have fun together, we share the same interest, and we want the same things in life. I can hardly put into words what an amazing father he is to Leityn. To see the bond between a father and son is amazing but they truly are best buddies. I told him the other day that I think Leityn likes him more than me, he agreed. He does what it takes to ensure that Leityn and I are taken care of each and every day. And most importantly, he puts God first. I pray to God that He continues to lead us in our relationship and before long we can honor our love before him and spend the rest of our lives making one another happy.

I have written about hitting a rough patch earlier in the year and that ultimately lead me to pursue a deeper relationship with God. And that has been very life changing for me. I feels good to have so much confidence in my relationship with God and know in my heart that all the things listed above are because of Him and his son, Jesus Christ. Being baptized in water and by the Holy Ghost the day before my 30th birthday was the most spiritual experience of my life. It's hard to put something like that into words. But I do know without a doubt that My God loves me and that he sent his son Jesus to make all of this possible. And despite my past mistakes and the ones I will make in the future, as long as I seek him I will receive his loving Grace in return. We have committed to the 12-week School of Discipleship at Free Chapel, and I am looking forward to experiencing this with Tony and Lindsey. We are also going to start our first 21-day fast with the church on the 9th. And I am emotionally prepared for this to be physically challenging, while spiritually connecting with God in ways I've never experienced before.

The past year was exciting all around. I got to go on family vacation with my mother and father and the rest of the family, for the first time since I was little. And I don't know if they will ever know how much that meant to us. I'm just grateful that my parents and step parents are able to put the past aside for a bright future as a family. This year has brought me closer to so many in my family and made me realize the true friendships I am so lucky to have. I know having Leityn brought a new brightness to our family and it feels so good seeing all the love everyone has for him. It's been another year of "just making it" financially. But, we never go without the things we need and most always have the things we want as well. We were able to do a lot of traveling to be with our family and friends. We had a few special trips that made our work weeks worth it. There were several months of sickness, dealing with my dental issues and Leityn being since through December. But all in all, we are all healthy. I know so many that have it worse than us so in moments that we aren't feeling well I just try to draw strength from the ones fighting a harder battle than us.


2011 is upon us and without a doubt or worry in my heart I am trusting, seeking, and praying for great things to happen for us. I really can't remember a year in the past when I was so excited about the things to come. I am not planning on getting rich, I am not planning on traveling the world, I am not planning on meeting someone famous. But I am planning to live everyday in God's will to the best of my ability. I am planning to seek God's word and apply it to my life. I am planning to center my family, finances, and future in God so that no matter what trials or tribulations we face this year and beyond, He will carry us through the storm of life.


‎"For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome."
- Jeremiah 29: 11


Happy 2011 to All.

Friday, December 31, 2010

5 Bible Verses for New Year's Resolutions

5 Bible Verses for New Year's Resolutions 
(With Practical Application)

Have You Ever Used Bible Verses to Make 
Your New Year's Resolutions?

By Jedley Manimtim
Now that 2011 is officially here, many of us are in the process of making New Year's resolutions. The concept of making New Year's resolutions is commonplace in our society; however, we all know how difficult it is to actually follow through. This list of Bible verses is designed to help you more specifically approach your New Year's resolutions. The purpose of providing Bible verses is to establish a biblical grounding for the goals you set out. Moreover, rather than merely compiling Bible verses for New Year's resolutions, I've included practical ways that you can use these verses to achieve your New Year's resolutions. With all of that said, here are 5 Bible verses for New Year's resolutions. 

#1 of 5 Bible Verses for New Year's Resolutions
Colossians 3:13 - 
New Year's Resolution: Mend a Broken Relationship

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Practical Application: When we make New Year's resolutions, it is common that we first look to ways that we can improve ourselves. Chances are, however, there are broken or severed relationships in our lives that we've given up on. Maybe you've been hurt by a loved one or close friend. The concept of forgiving and forgetting isn't one you'll find in Scripture, but forgiveness is. Consider making it a New Year's resolution to forgive someone who's hurt you or seek forgiveness from someone whom you've pained.

#2 of 5 Bible Verses for New Year's Resolutions
Matthew 25:34-40 -

"Then the king will say to those at his right hand, "Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me." Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?" And the king will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."
Practical Application: The Bible continually reminds us to take care of the poor, the widowed, and the less fortunate. Make it a New Year's resolution to consciously go out and help those in need. Whether you decide to serve at a soup kitchen or visit the elderly, this New Year's resolution is all about serving. If you're looking for more practical ways to go about following through with this New Year's resolution, click here for an article about 5 great items that you can keep in your car and give to the homeless.

#3 of 5 Bible Verses for New Year's Resolutions
1 Corinthians 19:20 -  
New Years Resolution: Improve Your Physical Well-Being

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
Practical Application: Ever considered that God actually wants you to take care of your body? While in context this verse is actually dealing with sexual immorality, the overarching theme is often missed. We ought to honor God with our bodies through everything that we do; thus, taking care of bodies physically falls under this umbrella and ultimately is a matter of good stewardship. If your New Year's resolution is to get in shape, use this Bible verse to remind you that you're working to improve something that you ought to make the best anyways. 

#4 of 5 Bible Verses for New Year's Resolutions
Matthew 14:22-23 - 
New Year's Resolution: Consciously Set Aside Time to Spend with God

"Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone..."
Practical Application: Jesus understood the value of time spent with God in solitude. If you do not currently devote time to being alone with God, make it a New Year's resolution to set aside some period of time to God. You can spend this time in prayer, reading your Bible, journaling, singing a worship song, etc. While this can definitely be a difficult New Year's resolution, we have to remember that being in tune with God requires of us to actually spend time investing in the relationship.

#5 of 5 Bible Verses for New Year's Resolutions
Mark 12:29-31 - 
New Year's Resolution: Loving God = Loving Others

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
Practical Application: You've probably heard this particular verse numerous times, but have you ever considered what it is really saying? The concept behind these commandments is twofold. One, loving God requires loving Him with all that you are. The second is a direct result of the first: if you love God, you will love others. The practical application here is very open because this Bible verse and corresponding New Year's resolutions take all the previous options into account. All of the aforementioned New Year's resolutions and Bible verses are essentially summed up through this passage. The question then is whether or not we are going to make these New Year's resolutions much more than annual attempts to better ourselves, but daily convictions that stem from a true desire to love the Lord.