"Do Something" Day 31 - The In Between Times

I thought it was only fitting to share a devotion that I wrote for our home church in Las Vegas. They offer a Lenten devotional, written by the members of this church. Today just happened to be mine. Enjoy!

Blessings be with you...

Wednesday, March 28 Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19

Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. (v. 2) NIV

I think one can say that when great things happen in our lives, we praise God. We thank him over and over and tell God how great he is to us. What about the not so great things? The struggles and obstacles, the times when we are simply tired of fighting. Do we then praise God and thank him for that opportunity to learn and grow from that experience? I would say not many people do.

During a Bible study for moms that I was involved with a while back, I remember reading in a chapter about the challenges of life, “Every time you face a challenge whether great or small, look at it as an opportunity to trust and thank God.” That small sentence in a 260 page book was so profound to me, that even in the craziest, loudest (I’m referring to my children), and most unfair moments in my life, God is the one to be there at any hour to comfort my pain and he is being thanked for that opportunity to trust him.

Give thanks to the Lord for answered prayers and give thanks for the in-between times too.

Amazing God, thank you for all the love you have for us and thank you for your mercy and grace when we fall short. Amen.

"Do Something" Day 28 - Hunger

I feel that lately I have been surrounded by the word "hunger". This word is said quite frequently with my children, I say it when I feel it, there's a new movie with that title, a childhood game, and lately in church we have heard sermons, temple talks, and bible studies mention this word.

We live in a society over abundance, even if you are poor, you are more rich than many in other countries. Yet, people are still starving. In our cities, in our states, in the US, in the world.

There are efforts in trying to end world hunger, and each state and communities are different. Many churches raise money to donate animals to villages so that they can raise and reproduce livestock for food and nourishment.

A bible study that Jason, Isaac and I attend while Lily is in Sunday school are finishing a study called "Taking Root- Hunger Causes, Hunger Hopes" We learn ways that we can take part with living in a world with out hunger. The problem cannot be fixed with the snap of a finger, but we all can take steps forward in educating ourselves, becoming proactive, and motivating others to help end world hunger. No problem is too big or too small. I invite you to do some research on ways that you can help within your community.

Blessings be with you...

Enjoy your Sabbath!

"Do Something" Day 27 - Comfort

Whenever I am able to sit for a few moments and scroll through the newsfeed on my facebook page, many times I run across posts from friends that are struggling. Whether it be a job that they are tired of being at, struggling with depression or an illness, family issues, sick children, etc. I always admire their friends that post comments that are so uplifting and loving. There are times, though that someone is truly hurting and there are no comments, that's not to assume that friends don't send them a private message instead. I'm sure they do. I send private messages a lot because something I want to share with them that they might relate too, don't always need to be broadcasted for the world to see.

In our busy lives, and in our own struggles and challenges and pain, we must remember to help those who are hurting. It may seem way out of left field sometimes to try and comfort someone is is also hurting, you may feel as though you don't have one extra ounce to give to someone else. When you reach out, even the tiniest bit, it makes a world of difference to someone, and eventually to yourself as well. When you care for others, you start to care for yourself and slowly realizing that serving others is wonderful therapy.

So, next time you see a friend on facebook in need, or receive a text or email that sounds like someone might be struggling, try to focus on that person, reach out, talk to them, take them out if you are able, and most importantly...pray for them!

They will appreciate it so much.

Blessings be with you...

"Do Something" Day 26 - Spiritual Practice

Most of my life revolves around food. The meal planning, grocery shopping, preparing the food, and last but not least...and probably the best part, eating the food! I enjoy cooking, it's one of my spiritual practices. The day can be completely hectic and once I step in the kitchen, I am entered into a space where I feel in total control and calm all at the same time.

What's your spiritual practice? Your special time with you and the universe, a time where you are just...you.

Spend some extra time doing just that, and enjoy it!

Blessings be with you....

"Do Something" Day 25 - Giving

It's spring time and what better time to start a little (or a lot) spring cleaning!

Previous blog posts on this 40 day journey of doing something, have mentioned of participating in the act of giving.

As you go through your spring cleaning and start clearing out items that you don't need any more, find an organization to donate your unwanted things too. Perhaps a homeless shelter or a women's shelter. If you have a lot of baby stuff, try an organization that will distribute the baby items to underprivileged mothers.

There might be someone in your own neighborhood who is in need.

If all else fails, there's always freecycle!

Share this gift, you will be appreciated!

Blessings be with you...

"Do Something" Day 23 - Comfort Zone

We all have one, a comfort zone, an invisible line that tells us "nope you've gone far enough, you are more comfortable on this side" Some of will go to that edge to get a little sneak peek on what's beyond and some are perfectly happy with staying 4 feet behind that line.

I blogged about possibly doing a "couch to half marathon" training program and eventually entering an event. I realized that I better start small, and try a 5K first! A 5K is coming up in Illinois at the end of April, and as of today I have 5 weeks and 5 days to prepare to run this entire 5K. This is so terrifying for me, I will be honest that I have and will try to talk myself out of this everyday during this training. Luckily for me, I have a very supportive husband and a community that stands behind me in this decision, and now that this has been written for the public, I suppose I can't back out now.

Today I ran out of my comfort zone! I strapped on my running shoes, the iPod, and my watch and set out in the gorgeous neighborhood we live in. I intended to just walk (briskly) for 30 minutes. As I turned around on my path about 15 minutes in, I got the nerve and jogged for a full 2 minutes. I walked for 4minutes and jogged again for a full 2 minutes. I did this cycle about 3 times. To some, this may sound super easy, but to me it was mentally and physically challenging. I have never intentionally ran before, unless I was playing a game, running after my kids, or in my youth...running from the cops (that is whole other story for another time!)

I felt winded, sweaty, and absolutely fantastic. I had a great playlist on my iPod and just went.

I will continue to step out of my comfort zone, everyday, for the next 5 weeks and challenge myself. Who knows maybe I will love this forever.

What can you do to step out of your comfort zone?

Think about it, pray about it, do something about it!

I can't wait to hear what you get to accomplish!!!

Blessings be with you...

"Do Something" Day 21 - The Classics

I absolutely love to read, the problem is that I love to read everything at once and either I don't finish, or I get distracted with another project. I manage though, at some point, I actually will get through an entire book. With 2 small children at home, who has time to read all day? If you do, I praise you friend!! Way to go!

I have made myself a goal, to begin after this lenten journey and daily blogging....to begin reading the classic novels. I have to honestly say that I have not read many. God has called me to be a homeschooling mother, this is a challenge i will gladly accept and try my best to give my children the best education possible. I read many homeschooling blogs and articles and most of them always mention the introduction of classic novels to their children. Even if the child(ren) cannot read yet, they should be read aloud. Now, I realize that I am aiming this blog towards reading to your children, but this applies to you that don't have children. Challenge yourself to read a classic novel once a month, if you like, read more in that month if possible. You don't even have to purchase every novel. Visit your local library, check out iTunes U, kindle, nook, most of these devices will have FREE downloads.!!

Not sure where to begin? Try this list.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/2963336/44-Classic-Novels-To-Read-Before-You-Die?olddoc=1

Blessings be with you...

"Do Something" Day 20 - Change

"Be the change you want to see in this world" ~Ghandi

Change is not an easy thing to try. In fact, some people literally break out in a cold sweat over just hearing the word. Change is something I look forward too, although I don't want change to happen very often, I am grateful when things are shaken up a bit in our own little Adams world. For us, change will be packing up our entire home at Wartburg this Summer and moving less than 2 hours away to Iowa City where Jason will be an intern pastor at Zion Lutheran Church. We are super excited for this change. For me, it means a more diverse and bigger city that where we live now, for Jason it means the next step in this journey that God has called him to be on, and for the kids...they get to meet new friends along the way!

Change doesn't have to come in the form of moving around from city to city. Change can be simply moving some furniture around in your home, or trying a food you have never eaten, or volunteering for something that you have never done before, it can even be applying the exercises of this daily blog (nice plug, huh?). Change can be frightening, exciting, hard word, and rewarding. At the end of the day, it will feel amazing! Give it a try.

Blessings be with you...

"Do Something" Day 18 - Namaste

"The divinity in me bows to the divinity in you"

What an amazing and respectful greeting, although in actuality the word 'namaste' literally means "bow to you" but as westerners adopted this greeting after a yoga session, the translation has been extended a bit. None the less, what a beautiful greeting!

Give this greeting a try when you are out and about. You might get the same in return.

Blessings be with you....

Namaste

"Do Something" Day 10 - J.O.Y.

One of my favorite reality television family is the Duggar's from TLC's "19 Kids and Counting". They receive much praise for their television ministry and unfortunately, they receive many negative comments as well. It's probably a great thing that they do not watch television themselves, nor do they dwell on social networking sites and twitter. There are some really hurtful things that are said about them. It's sad how people can instantly gravitate towards the negative side. On the Duggar family website, they list a list of "house guidelines" most of us would call them rules, but they choose a more positive word, guidelines. Our little Adams family have adapted these guidelines, with some variations, and have them posted on lovely paper in our dining room.

The very last guideline says this, "Practice J.O.Y. - Jesus First, Others Second, and Yourself Last"

This is a pretty powerful guideline.

I think in times like these, we tend to take care of ourselves first, then others, and then maybe have time with God.

What if we made an effort to put Jesus first, to serve others second and to lastly take care of ourselves.

What do you think that would like? What do you think that would feel like?

Blessings be with you...

Enjoy your Sabbath, see you Monday!

"Do Something" Day 7 - 40 Ideas

I came across this link from a pastor in Denver, Colorado. She has a church called House For All Saints & Sinners

...sounds like my kind of place!!

Nadia's blog gives ideas for keeping a holy Lent.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/nadiabolzweber/2012/02/house-for-all-sinners-and-saints-40-ideas-for-keeping-a-holy-lent/

Read, think about, do it!

Blessings be with you...

Laissez les bons temps rouler- "Let the good times roll"

It's Mardi Gras friends!

Welcome to a day traditionally known for being a grand celebration, a chance for over indulgences with pancakes, donuts, the beloved King Cake, and the parties! Oh, the parties!

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 22nd and last for 40 days, with a Sabbath on Sundays, until Easter on April 8th, 2012.

Lent has been practiced as a time for fasting, or "giving something up" for 40 days. Growing up Catholic (yup, with a big "C") this was a time where we had to choose something to give up for the 40 days, no eating meat on Fridays, and other rituals I didn't quite understand the meaning behind as a child. Can you relate?

As Jason and I began attending a Lutheran church, I remember when the Lenten season was approaching and pondering on what I would give up for 40 days. I chose sugar. Yes, sugar is a weakness and so I challenge myself often to not indulge in the "sweeter" things in life. Jason said ever so nicely, "You know, you really don't have to give-up anything" My reply, "What do you mean, that's what I was raised to do, of course I have to give up something!"

I did so well and about the 35th day into Lent, I ate some chocolate. Let me tell you something, that Catholic guilt, again big"C", shot right through me. "Why do I feel so guilty?" I thought about it for a minute, for a few months, for a few years and it came to me, with the help of a dear friend of mine. Why give up anything at all? Why not use this time to encourage myself and others to "Do Something". You can still reflect and praise God, and bring joy to others and not fuss about what you are giving up and how miserable that might make you feel. We're not focusing on what we can't have, but rather, what we can offer to others!

I encourage you all to join me on a 40 day journey to "Do Something!" Everyday I will post an activity, an exercise, a reflection, and honoring a Sabbath every Sunday with a technology cleanse.

Wait!!! Don't close out this blog yet, I mean it!

A technology cleanse every Sunday, to seperate yourself from the gadgets, the games, Words With Friends :) You may choose to not to go on facebook, Pinterest, Blog sites, emails, text messaging, iPods, iPads, watch television, you get the picture. Just you on Sundays. Pick up a book and read, go for walks, spend time with family, write a letter to a friend or family member you haven't seen or spoken too. Enjoy this time!

This invitation is for ALL!

Believers, non believers, and all denominations. There will be some posts regarding scripture, choose what you will each day.

Thank you for considering. Blessings be with you!

.......See you tomorrow!