Reflections and Responses

I'd like to share something with you that John and I are enjoying this summer. The coupon found at this link: http://www.concentricshospitality.com/SUMMERSWAG.pdf will give you 50% off of your meal at some awesome Atlanta restaurants (up to $25!). The best part is that it doesn't expire until September, and you can print it out as many times as you want! We have already enjoyed 1/2 price dinners at Two Urban Licks and Taps with this coupon. We highly recommend One Midtown Kitchen too, but we went there before the coupon was published (darn!). We are enjoying trying new places in Atlanta, and this coupon makes it much easier on the wallet! Happy dining! (Photo: Two Urban Licks)

I have been really challenged by a book I’m reading right now. It’s called Loving God with All Your Mind and written by Elizabeth George. I’m only about a fourth of the way through the book, but the first key point is really challenging the way that I think. The author writes about truly understanding and obeying Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” She focuses on the word true , writing about how we are commanded to think about things that are true and real – not things that we wish were true and not things that we fear could become true. She emphasizes the fact that the truth and reality are NOT the past or the future , not worries , and not fantasies that we wish would come true. George writes that we need to focus on reality, what is true in the present. Too often, we focus on what we wish was reali...

If you were wondering, the possiblity that prompted my last post about adapting has now happened. I wrote that post anticipating the decision that we were waiting for this week: John's shift assignment at work. He has been working 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. while training, but that was temporary. We knew that this was the week that he would find out his assignment - days or nights. I have been praying to be content no matter what the outcome of this decision, and God has been reminding me how we can adapt and how we are called to give thanks in all circumstances. Today we learned that he will begin working evenings on June 14, going to work around 7 p.m. I am trying to practice what I preached: identifying blessings, being thankful in all things, and thinking positively. He will make more money, he will still only work half of the days of a month, and he will be off every other weekend. I am grateful that he has a job, and that we will still live in the same place. God will help us adapt, as ...

I almost laughed when I skimmed the results of my Google search for “adaptable animals.” Some of the most adaptable animals on Earth are: (drum roll, please!): rats, cockroaches, jellyfish, mosquitoes, coyotes, and bobcats. I am NOT making up this information! Several Web sites listed these pleasant creatures - some of our absolute favorites, right?! – as the most adaptable animals. I found that humorous, but let’s be honest: we dislike adapting as much as we dislike the animals that adapt well. It’s amazing how resilient and adaptable we humans can be. Think about different seasons of your life and how you somehow made seemingly impossible circumstances work. Staying up late and memorizing a remarkable amount of information before a test in college, pushing your body extremely hard while exercising, changing your entire eating and sleeping schedule when you have a baby – all of these are examples and proof that we can handle much more than we think we can. When trying situations arise...

When darkness is surrounding me by Your Spirit, Lord help me sing that You are working all things out Lord, I really need to hear you speak Remind me in the waiting that You are working all things out For the good of those who are called by You for the good of those who are in Love with You That's why we sing Holy God of light I lay down my life Holy is the Lord Even in the storm be glorified We like to take the blessing from You Shall we not take the trouble too You are working all things out We like to take prosperity Shall we not take the suffering You are working all things out Holy are you Lord even in the storm be glorified Worthy of affection - "For the Good" - Shane & Shane You can listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEpFLLQyqr4 I encourage you to take a moment out of your day and remember that He is working all things out for the good of those who love Him!

Today I had the privilege of spending several hours with some of my best girlfriends from college. Like always, today was a true encouragement and good for me in so many ways. These girls and I are in similar places in life, so it's neat to trade stories, hearing about each other's lives, jobs, and families. I always gain insight and benefit from hearing their perspectives on things. We laughed a lot, listened a lot, and learned a lot. One thing that stuck out to me from our conversation today was the importance of speaking well of our husbands and building them up. Society/culture teaches that it's cool for women to bash their husbands, making fun of them and laughing at their "stupidity." That's the opposite of what the Bible teaches and what we are called to do as Christians. We need to encourage our husbands, speaking well of them and lifting them up. This was a healthy reminder to me to always be aware of my words - even ones that I mean in jest - and the...

John and I are going out of town this weekend, and I am really, really excited about it. This will be our first trip that is purely for vacation (not also for a wedding or a trip with the youth, etc.) since our honeymoon. Not that we "deserve" a vacation or anything, but it will be very nice to enjoy one! We are heading to Highlands, North Carolina. It will only take a couple of hours to get there, but I'm hoping it will feel like we are in a whole new world! Not that I don't love our lives here, but I sometimes struggle to relax until I am in a different environment. John is a pro at turning off his mind and "chilling out," but I am much better at doing so when I am removed from my normal environment and the temptation to work on my to-do list when I should just rest and BE. So, this weekend, I am excited to just BE. I hope that we will take some hikes, walk around the little town, read and spend time outside - just hanging out and relaxing! I hope that YOU...