"Rejected!" A typical word used during a basketball game, or among friends who are just having harmless fun, or maybe that word is stamped on someone's hurting heart.
Have you ever been rejected by someone you love? How did it make you feel?
Unworthy. Betrayed. Exposed. Wounded. Broken.
If you have risked loving, then you have probably experienced rejection. The deeper we love, the deeper we can be hurt. Opening our heart also exposes it and allows for harmful substances to enter, like rejection. So how do we defend it? Should we keep it closed up to avoid pain like this in the future?
My heart has been trampled before, and it's so easy to play the pity party game, put the blame on them, or even seek revenge. There are plenty of songs out there that were written during times of heartache and touch on all three of those emotions. But what good does that really do?
Have you ever tried looking up? Have you thought about the pain and suffering that Jesus Christ endured on the cross as He was rejected by men? What was His response? He turned the other cheek, He took it like a man, and He rose again! Not to get revenge - but to prove that He IS LOVE. Jesus knew that ultimate rejection was coming, but He didn't preach messages that would be popular or win people's favor. He spoke the TRUTH.....knowing that it might turn some people away.
One of the strongest desires we have, as humans, is to be loved, accepted, and feel like we belong. I encourage you to relax in God's love. He loved us first so that we can love Him and love others - He doesn't expect us to give something away that He hasn't already given us.
In the words of Joyce Meyer, "Let love in and let it out. You are destined to be a channel for God to flow through, and not a reservoir that merely sits and collects things. You are special and God has a special plan for you."
Proverbs 4:23 says "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Notice that it doesn't say to close or harden your heart - it says GUARD it - because it is a precious channel that can bring LIFE to the fullest!
And think of that rejection as a blockade that leads you to fully understand and appreciate the value of unconditional, unfailing love.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Friday, June 8, 2012
New Mom, Crazy Mom?
This picture was taken almost one year ago! So I've been a mom for almost a year now, and it's still so "new" to me. Every phase they go through brings something new with it. I love that about being a mother- watching my son experience LIFE for the first time. There is such a newness about everything; it almost feels like I've been reborn. One of my very favorite things is cuddling with my son. I'd like to caption this photo as "The First Cuddle." In reality, it was probably the 37th cuddle or something, but for all intents and purposes this snapshot will forever remind me of the very first one.
Well, the last thing I want is for this blog to be all about me. Boring! So let's play a game:
I want you to stop and picture the most precious person in your life. This will be someone different for each of you- maybe your son or daughter, husband or wife, mom or dad, grandparent, niece or nephew, etc. I know it may be difficult to just pick ONE, but that's how the game works today. Now think of a time that you held each other in your arms. It could've been in a moment of joy or sorrow, rain or shine, at a special occasion or on a very normal day. Are you in that moment? Where were you? What sights, smells, and sounds surrounded your embrace? Could you feel the love?
Ok- stop the daydream. Now let your mind go somewhere completely different- hang in there- I promise there's a prize at the end of this game. Think of a time when that very same person let you down. Do they ever frustrate you? Do they know how to push your buttons? Come on, be honest. They're not perfect, right? Even my 11-month old knows how to be stubborn and get his way. Most of the time it makes me laugh, but I know there will come a day when he will do something that makes me sad. It's inevitable. We're human.
At this point, you might be thinking I'm crazy. Sometimes I think I'm going crazy- like when I can't sleep at night when my baby is finally sleeping peacefully....or when I get a blog going in my head and can't type it out fast enough....or when I have nothing to show for myself at the end of the day because all I wanted to do was eat, play, and sleep (alongside my son!) while I let my house (and all its chores) get more and more out of control. Believe me, I've thought about all the reasons I could be perceived as crazy. But here's my conclusion:
The only "crazy" in my nature is this:
I'm crazy about my son! Crazy in love. So crazy that nothing he could ever do would make me stop loving him. Is this how you feel about your precious someone? Maybe they've hurt you in the past, but you forgave them because love overcomes all?
I want to take you just one more place. Please do me this favor.
Picture Jesus, with nail scarred hands, holding out his arms to you. He wants to hold you, comfort you, love you. Maybe you've done some things that you think are unforgiveable. Maybe you think that the God of this universe could never love someone like you. You are wrong. He made you! He sent His son to die for your sins so that you can be free from this guilt! If you don't believe me, open your Bible (or Google) Psalm 139. You were made "wonderfully complex" and for a purpose.
That crazy-love-feeling that you get for your special someone- that's the same feeling the Father has for you.
That "newness of life" feeling I have now that I'm a mother watching her son- that's the feeling you get when you give your life over to Christ.
And the reason I choose to share this with you? 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
Allow me to paraphrase it for you:
It is my fearful responsibility to the Lord, to work hard to persuade others of His love. God knows I am sincere, and I hope you know this too. If it seems I am crazy, it is only to bring glory to God. And if I'm in my right mind, it is for your benefit. Either way, Christ's love controls me. Since I believe that Christ died for ALL, then I also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. So I am one of Christs's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. I speak for Christ when I plead, "Come back to God!"
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Name that Movie
NAME THIS MOVIE:
"We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote from Whitman, "O me! O life!... of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless... of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?" Answer. That you are here - that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play *goes on* and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?"
"I stand on my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way......the world looks very different from up here. You don't believe me? Come see for yourselves! Just when you think you know something, you have to look at it in another way....even though it may seem silly or wrong....you must try."
Did you guess it? These quotes were taken from.......drum roll......
Dead Poets Society (1989) - Awwww yes, the Robin Williams prep school English teacher and his infamous lessons. Kind of reminds me of my high school English teacher actually.....anyone dare to guess his name? (Nimitz High School '02)
I love being transformed daily as I study God's living word. Reading renews my mind. So does prayer, meditation, and Yoga.
Another book-turned-movie that comes to mind is Eat. Pray. Love. (Elizabeth Gilbert / Julia Roberts) If you haven't read or seen this one - it's a good one! It's also heavy stuff; full of life lessons. But the REALLY COOL connection I've made is this:
Romans 12 (the very chapter I've named my blog after) has 3 different sub titles:
1. A Living Sacrifice - "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God" - what is one thing we must do to remain alive in this body on earth? EAT - This verse reminds us that things on earth, such as good food, are pleasing to ourselves. But we were created to please God. This body you've been given is a holy temple, where the God of all creation wants to live and be glorified.
2. Humble Service in the Body of Christ - "do not think of yourself more highly than you ought....we have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us....serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, showing mercy" - Finding our gifts and following God's will for us requires PRAYer and meditation in His Word. God wants to speak to you, but you must first seek Him.
3. LOVE in Action - this one speaks for itself - I must copy the verses found here, as they are some of my very favorite in the Bible.
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge.....If your enemy is hungry, feed him.....Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:9-12)
There is so much media out there trying to buy your attention. People jump on a bandwagon and follow their favorite band, actress, author, presidential candidate, TV show, etc. Bandwagons and soapboxes aren't all bad. But I will choose to jump on one soapbox only. My soapbox is the Holy Bible. God's word. A lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. In times of happiness and times of sorrow, it's the one book that has always been there for me. It offers love stories, crazy family drama stories, poetry, encouragement, and hope. But every story points to this truth: God created me in His image, He loves me unconditionally, and He saved me by sending His son to die for me.
How can someone not want to shout this truth from the rooftops?! Once I truly discovered God's love for me, my heart began breaking for all those who don't know His love. My desire to journal and blog about it will only grow stronger as I continue feeding this thirst for knowledge and understanding. My prayer is that it just might reach out to someone; encourage or inspire someone to come to know Him like I do.
Jesus is the one man who will never let me down. God is the king of the universe and has a "Crazy Love" for us that only few truly come to comprehend.
If you're searching for a Crazy Love like this, please visit http://crazylovebook.com.
"We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote from Whitman, "O me! O life!... of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless... of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?" Answer. That you are here - that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play *goes on* and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?"
"I stand on my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way......the world looks very different from up here. You don't believe me? Come see for yourselves! Just when you think you know something, you have to look at it in another way....even though it may seem silly or wrong....you must try."
Did you guess it? These quotes were taken from.......drum roll......
Dead Poets Society (1989) - Awwww yes, the Robin Williams prep school English teacher and his infamous lessons. Kind of reminds me of my high school English teacher actually.....anyone dare to guess his name? (Nimitz High School '02)
I love being transformed daily as I study God's living word. Reading renews my mind. So does prayer, meditation, and Yoga.
Another book-turned-movie that comes to mind is Eat. Pray. Love. (Elizabeth Gilbert / Julia Roberts) If you haven't read or seen this one - it's a good one! It's also heavy stuff; full of life lessons. But the REALLY COOL connection I've made is this:
Romans 12 (the very chapter I've named my blog after) has 3 different sub titles:
1. A Living Sacrifice - "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God" - what is one thing we must do to remain alive in this body on earth? EAT - This verse reminds us that things on earth, such as good food, are pleasing to ourselves. But we were created to please God. This body you've been given is a holy temple, where the God of all creation wants to live and be glorified.
2. Humble Service in the Body of Christ - "do not think of yourself more highly than you ought....we have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us....serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, showing mercy" - Finding our gifts and following God's will for us requires PRAYer and meditation in His Word. God wants to speak to you, but you must first seek Him.
3. LOVE in Action - this one speaks for itself - I must copy the verses found here, as they are some of my very favorite in the Bible.
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge.....If your enemy is hungry, feed him.....Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:9-12)
There is so much media out there trying to buy your attention. People jump on a bandwagon and follow their favorite band, actress, author, presidential candidate, TV show, etc. Bandwagons and soapboxes aren't all bad. But I will choose to jump on one soapbox only. My soapbox is the Holy Bible. God's word. A lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. In times of happiness and times of sorrow, it's the one book that has always been there for me. It offers love stories, crazy family drama stories, poetry, encouragement, and hope. But every story points to this truth: God created me in His image, He loves me unconditionally, and He saved me by sending His son to die for me.
How can someone not want to shout this truth from the rooftops?! Once I truly discovered God's love for me, my heart began breaking for all those who don't know His love. My desire to journal and blog about it will only grow stronger as I continue feeding this thirst for knowledge and understanding. My prayer is that it just might reach out to someone; encourage or inspire someone to come to know Him like I do.
Jesus is the one man who will never let me down. God is the king of the universe and has a "Crazy Love" for us that only few truly come to comprehend.
If you're searching for a Crazy Love like this, please visit http://crazylovebook.com.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
The Perfect Dress
The image of this perfect dress came to me as I laid awake in bed one evening. I wanted to share my sketch with you before it becomes too colorful and ornate. The verse that accompanies this idea is from Colossians 3:12-14. "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
I've been reading a book titled The Beautiful Wife, by Sandy Ralya. It is- yet another- life changing piece of work that God has placed in my path recently. One thing I'm learning is to take off the masks that women tend to hide behind. Three masks Ralya mentions are:
1. Superwoman - trying to please everybody so that you may find favor and acceptance (and forgetting whom we should truly be serving daily- be it your Lord, your husband, your children, or just taking time to renew yourself)
2. Material Girl - giving in to what the world advertises - "Money can buy you happiness! The right stuff is all you need! Everything is bigger in Texas! Everything is better with coffee/ice cream/you name it/fill in your blank!"
3. The Perfect Ten - portraying an image of perfection - "I have it all together. I've got life by the tail. I'm totally in control and blessed by God. I'll do it myself....and I'll succeed." (Quiet Confidence is a good thing; Pride will ruin a person. Quiet Confidence comes from the Holy Spirit; Pride is a deadly sin.)
Taking off our masks can be scary because we don't want others to see the real us. The REAL me is not capable of super powers. The REAL me will never be truly fulfilled with the purchase of a new car. The REAL me is not perfect. The real me needs only one thing for sustained JOY and PEACE in this great adventure of life, and that is the LOVE of my Heavenly Father. Sharing that love with others brings me joy as well. I hope you find peace, joy, and love today.
That beautiful dress may call your name as you walk by. But remember this: the woman wearing that dress has been specifically and intricately crafted by the hand of God. The woman in the dress is the TRUE BEAUTY.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Who Am I?
- The cheerleader who hung out with the band nerds....because deep down I was one of them.
- The friend who was shy until you got to know me. Then it's Katie, bar the door! Literally ;)
- The older sister who was bossy. But my younger brother is loved more than he'll ever know.
- The daughter who would fold, in tears, from just a look of disapproval.
- The wife who will follow my love to the ends of the earth. And back. And back again.
- The teacher who's best tool was Love and Logic.
- The mom who is hopelessly devoted. (thanks for that one, Sandra Dee)
- The singer and dancer who will never go public with my "skills" - only the few and the proud will ever see them in full swing.
- The student who never wants to stop reading, researching, learning.
- The writer who can pour her heart out on paper like it's going out of style.
- The traveler who has a long bucket list. Includes learning the languages of others.
- The country girl who loves dogs, horses and wide open spaces. And the city girl who loves being surrounded by big family and good friends.
- The foodie who has fun in the kitchen. (Baking can happen in the sun too. And it's glorious.)
- The sports fanatic that can leave or take the nightly TV watching of the game but remain a lifetime follower.
- The ice cream connoisseur that will advertise Blue Bell in the blink of an eye.
Who am I?
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
(John 14:6)
Let us walk as Jesus did. Shine a little light. It will reach further than you ever thought possible.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Not a Fan
I'm writing to tell you how I'm not a fan of Jesus. Nope. I'm a FOLLOWER of Jesus. I recently discovered the difference as our church has been diving into this book by Kyle Idleman. Allow me to share my testimony about this amazing journey! (Please keep reading. This book could change your life too.)
So, I was baptized when I was younger and I've always attended church on a pretty regular basis. I grew up attending the exact same church that my mom attended all her life. In fact, my AMAZING grandfather helped build this church from the ground up when it was founded. People there know all about the great (and not so great) past of our entire family. I always felt like Oak View Baptist Church was my home away from home. I am still in love with the members there, and I will always be grateful for the firm foundation it provided for me and my husband (because yes, that's where we met, grew up together, and were married.)
Now, along life's journey it's pretty much inevitable that when people grow up, they move away from their home city and start a new "life" with their marriage partner. In the past 7 years of marriage, we have moved to 2 different cities, experienced some pretty crazy roller coasters of career paths, had a baby, and found a new church home. Along the way, I've felt like a follower of Jesus and I've done my best to carry out His commands and seek His will for me. However, the past ONE YEAR of my life has been the craziest yet! (And by far, the best.) You see, when my precious son was born, everything changed. (You can read my previous blog post for a glimmer of insight.) No longer did my teaching career remain the focal point that I always thought it was. As Queen states in Bohemian Rhapsody: "Nothing really matters....to me." That's how I felt about everything OTHER THAN my family life. (Don't judge me please....this was definitely flawed thinking!)
The one awesome thing about life turning upside down when you have kids- you see more purpose in life than you've ever seen before. You can relate better to your middle school students, your mom, and your grandparents. You can relate to Mary at Christmas-time. You can relate to God's relationship with Jesus, His one and only son, at Easter. You experience a type of LOVE that was only semi-clear before you entered parenthood. So when a conglomeration of life-changing events come together at ONE MOMENT (the moment of truth!) - which road do you take?
I chose the road less traveled. I chose to surrender EVERYTHING to my Savior. (my Lord, my all-knowing, all-powerful, loving God who knit me together in my mother's womb.)
What do I mean by everything? I surrendered my own selfish desires, my own way of thinking, my opinions that had previously been formed about things. Idleman says, "A fan will try and accept the invitation of Christ to follow, but they don't want to say no to themselves.....The idea here is that you do not even acknowledge or recognize your own existence." (p. 143) You rid yourself of any controlling tendencies you have.
After facing the moment of truth and CHOOSING to follow JESUS, my life changed. My priorities changed, and I was able to experience a TRUE LOVE for God. Bible verses that I had memorized and heard 1,000 times in my life suddenly became more alive within my soul. In these few short weeks, He has shown me the true meaning of discipleship.
"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23)
My name is Katie Tuttle, and I am not a fan.
So, I was baptized when I was younger and I've always attended church on a pretty regular basis. I grew up attending the exact same church that my mom attended all her life. In fact, my AMAZING grandfather helped build this church from the ground up when it was founded. People there know all about the great (and not so great) past of our entire family. I always felt like Oak View Baptist Church was my home away from home. I am still in love with the members there, and I will always be grateful for the firm foundation it provided for me and my husband (because yes, that's where we met, grew up together, and were married.)
Now, along life's journey it's pretty much inevitable that when people grow up, they move away from their home city and start a new "life" with their marriage partner. In the past 7 years of marriage, we have moved to 2 different cities, experienced some pretty crazy roller coasters of career paths, had a baby, and found a new church home. Along the way, I've felt like a follower of Jesus and I've done my best to carry out His commands and seek His will for me. However, the past ONE YEAR of my life has been the craziest yet! (And by far, the best.) You see, when my precious son was born, everything changed. (You can read my previous blog post for a glimmer of insight.) No longer did my teaching career remain the focal point that I always thought it was. As Queen states in Bohemian Rhapsody: "Nothing really matters....to me." That's how I felt about everything OTHER THAN my family life. (Don't judge me please....this was definitely flawed thinking!)
The one awesome thing about life turning upside down when you have kids- you see more purpose in life than you've ever seen before. You can relate better to your middle school students, your mom, and your grandparents. You can relate to Mary at Christmas-time. You can relate to God's relationship with Jesus, His one and only son, at Easter. You experience a type of LOVE that was only semi-clear before you entered parenthood. So when a conglomeration of life-changing events come together at ONE MOMENT (the moment of truth!) - which road do you take?
I chose the road less traveled. I chose to surrender EVERYTHING to my Savior. (my Lord, my all-knowing, all-powerful, loving God who knit me together in my mother's womb.)
What do I mean by everything? I surrendered my own selfish desires, my own way of thinking, my opinions that had previously been formed about things. Idleman says, "A fan will try and accept the invitation of Christ to follow, but they don't want to say no to themselves.....The idea here is that you do not even acknowledge or recognize your own existence." (p. 143) You rid yourself of any controlling tendencies you have.
After facing the moment of truth and CHOOSING to follow JESUS, my life changed. My priorities changed, and I was able to experience a TRUE LOVE for God. Bible verses that I had memorized and heard 1,000 times in my life suddenly became more alive within my soul. In these few short weeks, He has shown me the true meaning of discipleship.
"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23)
My name is Katie Tuttle, and I am not a fan.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
New Mom, New Perspectives
Wow, I haven’t blogged since before Robbie was born! What a crazy ride I’ve been on. I’m not here to type all about what it’s like to become a mother – some of you have been there and you know how it feels; others of you would not be able to understand or relate. I’m typing today to pour out my thoughts about the new perspectives I’ve gained recently BECAUSE of the fact that I’m a new mom. This blog is used for sharing my experiences and opinions about life on earth as a woman of God.
Right after Robbie was born, life changed. I became solely focused on providing for his needs….and this is exactly what is supposed to happen…..to a degree. I took the advice of others and tried to take some “me” time and my husband and I would go on date nights. These short-lived events would let us catch our breath and re-connect with each other, and life was good.
Little did I know that my looming state of exhaustion would have such an affect on my emotions. Clouds were darkening behind the scenes of my soul. It’s like Satan was pulling me further and further off course without me realizing it. Life was still good and I enjoyed every minute I had with Derek and Robbie after work and on weekends, but my attitude about everything else stunk! I kept holding a pity party for myself….the poor working mom who can’t seem to get it all together. Something had to give.
What kept me going? “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) I started dreaming of a better future. (Maybe one that included quitting work and staying home.) We all know the “grass is greener”….but dreams are all about a glimmer of hope that just maybe the grass truly is greener! Hence the word: DREAM.
Anyway, let’s not dwell on the past. Basically, two things happened that pulled me out of the funk. I started working out again (Yes! Endorphin Rush!) and I reduced the number of times I nursed each day. The combination of these events threw me into a state of “hyped up on Mountain Dew” energy and a “rose-colored outlook on life” over night. Seriously! I never knew that working out had that much of an impact on my emotional state! (And I didn’t know that my body was working so much overtime as it was producing food for my baby.)
After this 7-month roller coaster (because Robbie Mac turned 7 months yesterday!) I have a few new perspectives about life:
1. The mind/body connection is REAL so get those endorphins going, people!!
2. News Flash! Family and friends exist for the sole purpose of supporting one another. (That was God’s intention for creating this thing called relationships.) So if you ever find yourself in a bubble/isolated/feeling alone in the world/not wanting to get out of the house/needing an intervention – then get on Facebook and create your own intervention party event and invite everyone you know that might be the slightest bit interested in helping out a friend. Believe me, it will work.
:)
Right after Robbie was born, life changed. I became solely focused on providing for his needs….and this is exactly what is supposed to happen…..to a degree. I took the advice of others and tried to take some “me” time and my husband and I would go on date nights. These short-lived events would let us catch our breath and re-connect with each other, and life was good.
Little did I know that my looming state of exhaustion would have such an affect on my emotions. Clouds were darkening behind the scenes of my soul. It’s like Satan was pulling me further and further off course without me realizing it. Life was still good and I enjoyed every minute I had with Derek and Robbie after work and on weekends, but my attitude about everything else stunk! I kept holding a pity party for myself….the poor working mom who can’t seem to get it all together. Something had to give.
What kept me going? “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) I started dreaming of a better future. (Maybe one that included quitting work and staying home.) We all know the “grass is greener”….but dreams are all about a glimmer of hope that just maybe the grass truly is greener! Hence the word: DREAM.
Anyway, let’s not dwell on the past. Basically, two things happened that pulled me out of the funk. I started working out again (Yes! Endorphin Rush!) and I reduced the number of times I nursed each day. The combination of these events threw me into a state of “hyped up on Mountain Dew” energy and a “rose-colored outlook on life” over night. Seriously! I never knew that working out had that much of an impact on my emotional state! (And I didn’t know that my body was working so much overtime as it was producing food for my baby.)
After this 7-month roller coaster (because Robbie Mac turned 7 months yesterday!) I have a few new perspectives about life:
1. The mind/body connection is REAL so get those endorphins going, people!!
2. News Flash! Family and friends exist for the sole purpose of supporting one another. (That was God’s intention for creating this thing called relationships.) So if you ever find yourself in a bubble/isolated/feeling alone in the world/not wanting to get out of the house/needing an intervention – then get on Facebook and create your own intervention party event and invite everyone you know that might be the slightest bit interested in helping out a friend. Believe me, it will work.
:)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)