Courage- to make relationships better

February 15, 2013 / kstrick7 / 3 Comments

I am glad to get the chance to link up with Melanie at Only A Breath blog to talk about my one word. This year I chose “Courage” to be my one word. When I was thinking about my one word, I was thinking a word that would help me to be the best I could be. I made a list & thought about what I should work on. It came to mind that everything in my life, that was holding me back, had to do with action. It was being afraid to step out & act on something. It was being too lazy to act on something. It was getting my thoughts together. It was communicating & trusting. It was wallowing in situations, that I just did not have the will to overcome. All of it was entwined in the word “Courage”. Since I picked my word, I have never looked back.

Just this past week, I made a commitment to myself that I would have the courage to make some of my relationships better. I started by talking to my Daddy for about 30 minutes on the phone. For he & I that is like 3 hours to someone else! He is retired & doing his own thing. My mother passed away in 2002. Since then, he has enjoyed being able to be on his own, without responsibilities. Sometimes I resent that just a teeny bit. Probably because I think he should be over at my house, seeing what I need, doing things with my family, hanging around, seeing what I need, telling me everywhere he is going & what he is doing, seeing what I need, etc.,.(Do you see a pattern here?) He is more of the “if you need me call me” type. When I need him, I call him & he comes. HOWEVER, I thought, you know, I should be less selfish about this. Not having my feelings hurt because I don’t know what he’s doing every day. So, I am planning to call him more, visit him more, & then just leave him alone (like he likes  ) Then, I talked to my brother & emailed him & text him multiple times. He is another that I want to make more time with. He & his family live 4 hours away. So, that does not always give the best circumstances. We did say we were visiting each other VERY SOON. I love him so much. It’s just when you have your own family & live 200 miles apart, you kinda get in your own routine & forget to call & email & text- not to mention visit. It takes courage to keep relationships going. I can’t get my feelings hurt about the relationships with them not being all that I want them to be, when I am not making an effort. I am using my courage to help be more involved in my Daddy & brother’s lives. Hopefully, next month I can tell you about some great memories we’ve made !

Thank you, Melanie for having this wonderful link up to tell about our one word. I have been so inspired by Courage this year. It has helped me make some really simple decisions . I already feel better about where this year has been taking me. I appreciate you stopping by my blog. It’s always great to have company! I have to be going now, because I should be washing clothes.

Into the Word Wednesday

February 13, 2013February 12, 2013 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

This is the first time I am participating in “Into the Word Wednesday”. To Falen & Laura from the Upward Not Inward blog: please accept my apologies off the front end if I end up with the craziest post ever! I have been reading these posts for some time now. I decided a week or two ago that I would give this a shot! You can go to their awesome blog by going to http://www.upwardnotinward.blogspot.com

I have been recently reading through Proverbs & now am in Ecclesiastes. One of the things I want to share this week is about how relevant these two books are, even now. I have been so delightfully encouraged about what the book of Proverbs says about controlling our mouths. I will admit I need to hear these verses, just as much as anyone.

Proverbs 26:20
Where there is no wood, the fire goes out: And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.

Proverbs 29:11
A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.

Proverbs 6:16
These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood.
18 A heart the devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among the brethren.

Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.

Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

Proverbs 12: 18
There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

These are just some of the verses that have spoken volumes to me. The moral to this story is, Yes, yes I can keep my mouth shut & it’s ok. It’s pretty much what God wants. I don’t have to comment on everything. I don’t have to have my ears open to gossip. I don’t have to pass judgment on someone else. I don’t have to keep the fire stoked with unkindness & bitterness. Proverbs is a wonderful reminder of what it takes to be moral & righteous. If you haven’t read over it in a while or at all, you should take time to read it. This book in the old testament is sure not to disappoint.

I hope my thoughts today have blessed you in some way. Go on over to Upward Not Inward & link up to Into the Word Wednesday. It is a wonderful link up where we tell what we have learned & what has inspired us, as we have been “into the word.” I hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday. Thanks for stopping by & visiting with me. I have to be going now, because I should be washing clothes!

Link up with Falen & Laura at Upward Not Inward

How to read the Old Testament in a year- I think I can do it!

February 7, 2013 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

Alright, I know it’s February & I know you should know by now, sometimes, it takes me a little while to get things straight in my head. But, in my defense, once I do, I can normally “get to doing” whatever it is.

I have been making attempts at reading the Old Testament. I have read all of Genesis, Proverbs, & am working on Job. Today, I decided to take another approach, to keep me on track. After much thorough, grueling, & perplexing research ( I googled it & got my answer in a nano second), I found out, there are 929 chapters in the Old Testament. That is about 18 chapters a week, I need to be reading. One website suggested 2 chapters each week day, 3 chapters on Saturday & 5 chapters on Sunday. I liked that. This way, if I don’t want to read the books or chapters in Bible order, I can still stay on target.

Just wanted to pass this on to my peeps. (Yes, I consider you my peep ). Last year, I read the New Testament from Memorial Day to Labor Day.(You can see the reading schedule in one of my previous blogs in May 2012). You would be really surprised at how differently you understand the New Testament reading it like a book. Not just hopscotching through it, picking out verses and stories here & there. That’s what I had been doing for years. So glad I took the time to read it. I should be going now. I have to continue reading my 18 chapters, of the Old Testament, for this week & after that, alas, washing clothes……..

Taking some advice from Honey Boo-Boo’s Mama

January 8, 2013 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

We could take some financial lessons from Honey Boo Boo’s Mama. I just read an article on OMG! In which Mama June tells about what she does with the $15,000-$20,000 per episode they receive. The answer? The money is equally divided into 5 different trust funds (one for each of her children.). The children are not able to access the funds (except for schooling or medical emergencies) until they are 21 years old. Read below an expert from the article:

“I want my kids to look back and say, ‘Mama played it smart. Not like those other reality TV people,'” she told the website, adding that she never actually receives the money. “TLC puts the money into the girls’ trust accounts for me and then I get an e-mail telling me how much everyone gets.”
June said Sugarbear (Honey Boo Boo’s father) provides for the family by working as a contractor and no matter how much dough they rake in from their reality endeavors, they will never blow it all on material items.
“You’re never gonna see me drive a Range Rover or a Mercedes,” she said. “I’ll drive one if someone else pays for it. Never gonna live above my means.
“
I don’t know about you, but sometimes things just aren’t what they seem. I know there has been lots of speculation about this show, the way they live, how they act, what they were thinking…. It may seem that these folks are ignorant or dumb- However, I just don’t think Mama June is too far off, when it comes down to what it’s all about. Not blowing money on material items, with the thought that material things more important than they really are. She says she’s never gonna live above her means…hmmmm, There is a lesson in that all of us can learn.

In the gospels Jesus says we can only serve one master. He says if we serve man, we cannot serve God.
Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
Also, the apostle Paul talks about what we should regard as important. Not our standing in society, not our car, not our home, land, or any other tangible thing. We should love one another, be kind to one another, ….

Galatians 5:22 & 23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. Against such there is no law.

I just want to thank Honey Boo Boo’s mama, June for reminding me of what I need to keep my focus on. It’s not anything tangible, that’s for sure. I will heed this reminder with COURAGE. Courage to be thankful more for people than things. Courage to appreciate what I have & not think I have to have more. Courage to know that no matter what amount is in my bank account, my family still loves me. I think that’s a good way, today, to use my one word for 2013. I am so glad you stopped by to visit with me today & listen to me ramble about Honey Boo Boo’s mama. I have to be going for now, because I should be washing clothes.

One word for 2013

January 2, 2013January 2, 2013 / kstrick7 / 8 Comments

I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am about my one word for 2013! What is “one word” for 2013? My sweet blogger friend Falen from Upward Not Inward, turned me on to this. Here is the post from OneWord365.com:

Forget New Year’s Resolutions. Scrap that long list of goals you won’t remember three weeks from now anyway. Choose just one word.

One word that sums up who you want to be or how you want to live. One word that you can focus on every day, all year long.

It will take intentionality and commitment, but if you let it, your word will shape you and your year. It will guide your decisions and help you grow.

Discover the big impact one word can make.

One word.

365 days.

A changed life.
Isn’t that amazing? Just one word to focus on & help us grow in 2013. I thought about it. What word do I want to use to make 2013 my best year ever? The more I thought about it, the more this word came to mind. With everything I want to do in 2013, this word fits perfectly.
Introducing my one word:

Courage to do what’s right.
Courage to help others.
Courage to make words actions.
Courage to be the person God intended me to be.

Thank you so much Melanie at the blog Only A Breath for making this beautiful button for me! I am also linking up with Melanie at Only A Breath. She is hosting a link up for all of our “one words”. Go on over & link up! I challenge everyone reading this to resolve to make 2013 a wonderful year. Start by using one word.

New Year’s Resolutions for 2013

January 1, 2013January 1, 2013 / kstrick7 / 2 Comments

Today, I am going to list my New Year’s Resolutions. Here goes:

1.Stay connected to God.
2.Remain a student of the Bible.
3.Lose 10 lbs FOR STARTERS.
4.Make my family healthier.
5.Be a better blogger.
6.Encourage others more.
7.Be more humble.
8.Love more.
9.Sew more.
10.Exercise more.
11.Walk weekly.
12.Do at least (5) 5k races.
13.Learn to let go of offenses. Because really, how important are they??
14.Read the Old Testament.
15. Less talk, more action, please.

Alright, that wasn’t too painful. I think I might could add- Be on time more & spend less. But good grief, let’s save something for 2014! I am hopeful that everyone at least attempts to make a list of resolutions (whether on paper or a mental list). The New Year is always a good time to take inventory of things that can be improved on. And, I can always make an extended list of how I am going to make these things happen, as well. All I know is, 2013 is going to be a wonderful year!
Thank you so much for stopping by today. I would love to hear about your New Year’s Resolutions. Comments are free & they make me very happy! However, I have to be going for now, because I should be washing clothes!

Top Ten Predictions for 2013

December 26, 2012December 26, 2012 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

TOP TEN PREDICTIONS FOR 2013:
With all the problems the world is facing, it can be unsettling to the mind. Today, I want to share with you ten predictions that are true!
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still honor the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
Isn’t it great To Remember Who Is Really In Control, and that; “the Word of the Lord endures forever.” ( 1 Peter 1:25 )
I hope you found this encouraging. Sometimes we need the reminder of just “WHO” is really in control. ‘Til the nets are full, keep on fishing.

***This was taken from an email I received from a friend. It really made me reflect on what a year 2012 was. There is so much bad in the world. However, we just need to know God is good all the time. He will take care of us. We saw some birds eating french fries, at a parking lot, the other day. I told my kids, that Jesus said if He had a plan to take care of even the birds, He would surely take care of us.
Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

I appreciate you stopping by today. I pray we all go into 2013 knowing & trusting God. I will share some of my personal 2013 New Year’s Resolutions with you soon. But, I have to be going for now, because I should be washing clothes.

Zig Ziglar- Motivational guru R.I.P.

November 29, 2012November 29, 2012 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

Just want to take a moment to pause & remember the father of motivational speaking- Mr. Zig Ziglar:

The world lost a wonderful man yesterday. A man who loved to teach people how to cope with day to day life with gratitude, hope, & humbleness. I loved Zig Ziglar. I was first introduced to his philosophy back about 10 years ago. I was working in sales & stumbled across some of his work. I loved his motivational talks. I had several C.D.s of him. I can relate to him, as I too, am from the South. Zig would boast he was from L.A. – Lower Alabama. He had all kinds of funny & inspiring quotes. Here are some of my favorite:

“People often say motivation doesn’t last. Neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.”

“You are the only person on earth who can use your ability.”

“Money won’t make you happy… but everybody wants to find out for themselves”

“If you have to swallow a frog, you don’t want to have to look at it very long.”

“Life is too short to spend your precious time trying to convince a person who wants to live in gloom & doom otherwise. Give lifting that person your best shot, but then don’t hang around long enough for his or her bad attitude to pull you down. Instead, surround yourself with optomistic people.”

“Who’s boy are you? Who’s girl are you? Why, you are a child of the King. That’s quite an inheiritance you have there. Now go out & see that you live up to it.”

Whenever I listened to his C.D.s or read one of his books I always walked away inspired. He had the knack to make you understand that you were special & unique. His work has always been uplifting & encouraging. He gave people hope. That was something special. R.I.P. Mr. Ziglar & God Bless.

Thanksgiving is this week…oh my!

November 18, 2012 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

I have been informed, by my ever so up to date 9 year old, that it is 35 days until Christmas. Which means Thanksgiving is this week! (Did I just say this week?) I have been working on my menu for Thanksgiving Day. It is going to be pretty wonderful. We have lots of family coming to our house. It will be a great day. I wanted to share my menu with you:

Turkey & dressing (of course) my sweet husband is going to smoke the turkey, which was delectable last year & will be sure to please this year.

Cranberry sauce

Homemade shells & cheese

Hashbrown casserole

Green beans

Lima beans

Sweet potato casserole

Mixed vegetable casserole

Deviled eggs

Homemade rolls

For dessert- Chess cake, pumpkin pie, & some other things that family will bring

I have been checking out Christy Jordan’s Southern Plate Blog. She has so much going on over there for Thanksgiving. Everything, I have ever seen on her blog, is something you would really eat. That is if you love southern food. If you have not visited her, you should do that, soon!

I am ready to see my family & have some good food. There are countless things I am thankful for. However, here are a few that were in our church bulletin.

Be thankful for:

God’s goodness & mercy (I Chronicles 16:34) Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Our food (Matthew 15:36) And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks……

God’s creation (Psalm 75: 1) We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.

For the care & compassion of others (II Corinthians 8:16)But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.

For our brethren (Ephesians 1:16) do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers

For the church (Colossians 1:12-13) giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. v.13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.

For all things (Ephesians 5:20) giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For Jesus- God’s indescribable gift (II Corinthians 9:15) Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

For the hope of heaven (Revelation 11:16-17) And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshipped God, v. 17 saying, “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is & who was & who is to come. Because You have taken Your great power & reigned.

I Thessalonians 5:18 says it very well, “in everything give thanks;for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” It is so easy to pray with your list of wants. Starting today, let’s make a habit of thanking God just as much as we ask from God. I believe you will receive a blessing for it!

I am so glad you stopped by to visit with me today. I hope you have a wonderful & safe Thanksgiving. I have to be going now, because I should be washing clothes!

An attitude of gratitude

November 11, 2012 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

With Thanksgiving on the way, it is a great time to think about being grateful. We should make gratitude a way of life, each day of the year. Let me challenge you with a couple of things.

1. Pay attention to the simple, small, gifts God brings into your life everyday. Things like hot showers, reliable transportation, electricity, clean running water, work to do, friends and family to see, and food to eat.

2. Accept each day as a gift. Create & cultivate a thankful spirit. You find what you look for. So, focus on reasons to be grateful. Your gratitude will color your attitude and make you more inspiring to be around.

3. Make a list of all the things & people around you that make you smile. Post it on the refrigerator door as a reminder of what you are grateful for.

I am reminded of the lepers that Jesus healed. There were a group of 10 of them, but only 1 came back & said “Thank you.” (Luke 17:11-19)

When one of them saw that he was healed, he came back. He praised God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him. – Luke 17:15

Let’s make sure we show our gratefulness this week. I am going to make my list tonight. I hope you will, too. Thanks for stopping by & visiting with me. I have to be going now, because should be washing clothes.