Plant Love

I have mentioned my first plant child (a ficus), Blanche, on multiple occasions. A few months ago, I bought a second plant child. This plant is a Pothos. Her name is Germania. She is green and beautiful. And, while Blanche has the privilege of being my first plant, Germania is growing in my heart.


This morning, when I arrived at work, my beautiful plant was drooping. Apparently the weekend, lack of sun (I forgot to open the blinds) and the need for water had overwhelmed her. So, as any plant parent would do, I took action. I watered her, rubbed a few of her leaves, and said a few soothing words.

A few hours later, I looked at Germania and noticed that her drooping leaves had already started to revive and lift up. A little water went a long way.

Sometimes, I realize I am a little droopy. My heart is sad, my attitude is worse and laying on my couch is the only place I want to be. It's during those times that I need more than a little drink of water.

Those times, are times that I must remember to turn to the Keeper of my heart, and the Lifter of my head. He is better than a little drink of water.

October- The Month of Heath and Wellness

While you may not find any record of October being the month of Health, my coworker and I have decided that is what it is going to be for us!
What does that mean?

1. Going to bed in a timely manner. (Me going to bed at 12:30 every night- not a good idea.)
   
2. Less caffeine. This one will be challenging. See number one. I have been surviving on number two.
3. Lots and lots of water.
4. Exercising.
   
5. A little chocolate every day. Before you contradict me, saying that this one will only cause a detour on my route to health and wellness, this one is essential. Essential for all those who see me every day. A little chocolate goes a long way in keeping my sanity.
   

I'll be finishing up with my term for school in around a week. This last term has been full of no tests, but approximately twenty short papers... And only two to go! I am look forward to the short break that I will have until November 1st. Then it's back to work!

During my break I have a few things planned, right along with rest, relaxation, and cleaning. Along with that there will be cookies for work, piano for me, and Christmas presents to finish and buy. I am determined to start and finish my shopping early this year!

A final note:

A ship captain was on his ship when a storm rolled in. His family was with him, and as the waves rolled in and the boat rocked, his wife came to him, crying in terror.
"Why are you not afraid of the storm?!" she exclaimed.
The captain drew his sword and held it close to his wife's chest. He asked her, "Are you not afraid?"
"No."
"Why?" he asked.
"Well, I know the one who holds the sword."
He responded, "I know the one who holds the storm."
Adapted from a commentary

It is easy so many times to look at the waves, at the storm, and forget the one who holds the storm in his hands. I am guilty at looking at a situation and giving up. Laying in bed, covers over my head, shivering in terror. The reality is, as long as I look at the one who is holding the storm, and not the storm itself, I will make it through.

Psalm 4:8
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

There are times when things are scary. There are wars, and storms. There is sickness, and even death. These are things that make me anxious. At times I feel as though there is nothing that can keep me safe. God, and only God provides the peace inside my heart. That peace allows me to trust that despite the waves, despite the holes in my boat, despite my circumstances, I will come through the other side.
God can do the same for you.

Make tomorrow beautiful. Love to you all,

I have become an "Air Quoter"...

...Save me from myself.

On to other news.

1) I feel like I've spent the last four months playing catch up. Between my mini weekend trips to Iowa, Indiana, and Missouri, my vacation to Nebraska, work and school, I feel like I've been a constant step behind the whole summer. It has been a fun summer, but it's been fast! When I take the time to actually sit and breathe deep and look back I realize I have enjoyed myself. Now, I'm catching up, cleaning, laundry and cleaning some more, and even though I personally do not follow the September to May schedule, whenever "school starts" I feel like life starts slowly moving back in order.

2) My cousin took some awesome pictures on his trip to Europe last summer, and he gave me a few for my place. I just found great frames and now have them strategically around my living room. When I look at them I am so amazed and impressed with my cousin! You are amazing Jake!

3) My planner. Ask me and I know what I'm doing in a week. I know what is happening on September 3rd (nothing). I know what day Christmas is, and I have a vacation planned in January of 2010. I carry my schedule planner with me every where I go, and yet, I write nothing down. Today I have determined that if I am going to carry it with me, I'm going to fill it out. It might make more sense for me to just stop carrying it around, but it never fails that I need it when I don't have it. I'm gonna keep it in my bag. Tonight I will write in it.

4) I have had a goal for the last few years to read 12 books a year. It has been challenging when I am trying to read school books at the same time. I am falling super short in my goal this year. But, I have a stack of new, sweet smell like books books, and four months to finish reading to my goal.

5) A year ago I was an avid blogger. Granted for a part of that time I was in Charlotte with limited responsibilities. Now again, life, as I mentioned before, is in full swing. I have made it another goal to write at least once a week. Here's a post to toast to that goal.

6) My dear friend Jenilee wrote about how she has been busy working in her busy home, taking care of three girls (and a husband who collects bugs). Despite how busy she has been there is a truth that she clings to, and I am reminded of that today. It can be so easy to lose track and get lost in the middle of insanity and chaos. It can be easy to look at the storm, at the winds, at the waves. That's easy. What is harder is to look to the one who created the storms, the winds, the waves. It's harder to trust. It's harder to let go. It's harder...at first. But then, there's peace. Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Take the first step. Look to God for the peace you have been missing.

A Box of Bandaids and An Ear

The wounds we encounter as a child, well, those of you with children, around children, or who were once children know, usually they are wounds we create by our own doing. For example, at about seven years old I decided (and I don't know why) that it would be the best idea to tie my shoe at the top of the stairs. Not only did I decide to tie my shoes at the top of the stairs, I decided that I would do so by lying down and sticking my feet in the air. At that same time my brother decided to go down the stairs. (In hindsight, I might have decided to tie my shoes there on purpose, possibly to prevent him from going down there- but who knows, it was a long time ago.)
As I laid on the floor my brother moved his little four year old legs over my head, and he tripped...and fell down the stairs. We both ran crying to my mom. My brother was wounded from having fallen down an entire flight of stairs, and my ear was bright red. My brother, as I told my mother, "tripped over my ear." Yes, he had tripped over my ear. It was red wasn't it?
Another time, in kindergarten, some boy and his "posse" ran after me and he kicked me in the head. I came home with a black eye. My mom and my aunts wisely told me that it was because he liked me. How fascinating. If only some boy would run after me and kick me in the head now....(kidding, kidding).
Ah, the joys of childhood drama...
There are other wounds that we encountered. Not physical, but inside. Kids are brutal. There are nicknames given, and not always fun loving names. (I also know this by experience.) At that point we learn the classic phrase, "sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me." If only that were true.
We carry hurts with us even as grown ups. I still, on occasion trip (but that's rare- you could call me Grace).... my ribs are still sore today. I also burned my forehead with a curling iron and one time almost got stuck on my stair case....okay maybe I'm not named Grace on purpose.
I know, you know, we all know, a broken bone sometimes heals over time much quicker than the hurt caused by a harshly spoken word. Slap on a Bugs Bunny or a Pretty Pretty Princess bandaid and the world is all better. They don't make bandaids for hearts though. As of late, I have been reminded of this very fact . The fact that words can and do cause hurt and pain.
What I don't know is how it happens, how a word can cause someone to feel so fragile.
I have begun to look again at my own self, my own mouth and determine what things have been coming out. I have found that it is true that what is in my heart, will come out of my mouth, and I don't want to be the cause of someone else's pain. But, on my own, I am no good. Left to my own devices, not only can I not walk a straight line, I cannot speak kindly to everyone. It is impossible, on my own. I have found that I must rely on God to help me. Not only do I need His help to guard my own heart from the hurts caused by others, but I need his strength to prevent me causing hurt.

Jeff Deyo, in his song, "Keep My Heart," says:

I don't know if I told you
How I long for your heart
I've just got to be like you
I've just got to be yours

That is my prayer.

So tonight while I go to sleep I will pray that I am made more like Jesus and that when I awake I will be closer to being like Him. I will also pray that my heart will be stronger and that I will not be hurt so easily knowing that others also speak out of hurt.

And, at the same time, I am going to try to find a bandaid, just for fun.

Love and sweet dreams to all,