"Do Something" Day 4- Love Your Neighbor

Have you ever wondered why some people just may not care for your personality? This is a hard concept for me to grasp, not in a conceited way. This has nothing to do with pride, or vanity, or any of that. But you may think that you are a good person, you genuinely care for others, you offer an ear to listen, and a shoulder to cry on. So, why wouldn't people care what you have to bring to this world? Well, I really don't have an answer to that question. All I know is that some people just don't care...hmmm, gosh, even writing this is still hard to imagine.

Friends, please don't feel that this is a pity party by any means, or a blog entry to ruin your day, nope, not the intention. Today's focus is loving your neighbor!

That sounds pretty easy, especially to the people that are already in your circle of friends, family, colleagues, etc. It's easy to love them, to speak highly of them, to care and really be there for them. What about the neighbors that aren't in your circle of friends, the ones that we wave to every now and then, but don't really give an effort to find out more about them. Is it easy to love them? Or, the neighbors that you once thought were a friend, you confided in them, talked about fears, struggles, and joy. Then a moment happens, a discussion that didn't end very well, and now you are emotional about it, a bit angry too and while you are struggling with all these emotions, you stop to think...I'm supposed to love my neighbor. Which one of these is the easiest? Which one is more difficult?

I do know this, that it takes every ounce of a person's being to really work at that struggle. Forgiveness does not come easy, if it were, psychologists would not be very successful. Allow yourself one thing friends, get angry and get mean and get it out of your system. Forgive with a truly forgiving heart, it may not happen in a day, a month, or even a year. Work on it, pray, meditate upon it, write in a journal, talk to a loved one. Allow yourself to be free and understand what forgiveness really feels like. I will pray for you on your journey, pray for me on mine!

Blessings be with you...

Enjoy your Sabbath tomorrow, see you Monday.

"Do Something" Day 3 - NT in 40

The New Testament in 40 days.

Okay, so I am personally 3 days behind in reading the New Testament in 40 days. There are no excuses to not have time with God and reading daily scripture. But, if you ask me nicely, I can list about 100 things that have made their way to being more important than my time with the Lord! I'm only human, I'm a sinner, and thank goodness we have a forgiving and gracious God.

A fellow seminarian and friend spent much time and energy in creating a Lent reading schedule.

I am sharing a link to his blog, and all you have to do is print the page and stick it in your bible...oh and actually read it :)

http://www.mattagee.com/myblog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Lent-2012-Reading-Guide-40-Day-Plan.pdf

Enjoy this journey, ALL are welcome to do this.

Blessings be with you...

"Do Something" Day 2 - Get Involved

Tonight I was introduced to this organization and literally became, as a fellow neighbor likes to say, "FIRED UP"

I mean this in a good way, I was so moved by what this organization does to provide humanitarian aid.

http://www.nomoredeaths.org/

So late in this day, I still have one minute to post in Day 2 of "Do Something"

Get involved friends! Get excited about something and go for it!

Help people in need, it will be one of the most fulfilling joys you will encounter.

See you all on Day3!

Blessings be with you...

"Do Something" Day 1

It's day one of our 40 day journey with "Do Something". The day isn't over folks.

My intentions were to post this early this morning, but a nasty headache turned migraine hit me today of all days... Ash Wednesday. After taking Lily to preschool, Isaac and I headed to Wartburg for chapel. As the morning progressed, so did the migraine. My most amazing and thoughtful husband came home after his last class, and took care of the children so that I could rest. Rest is what I needed, and as the evening approached I was feeling much better than before, not 100%, but I was able to attend chapel in the evening, which was led by Jason and our dear friend Minna.

Some of you are probably thinking, "Jeesh, is that all they do up there in Iowa? Go to Church?" Well, yes and no. As a family we attend church every Sunday. Jason attends daily chapel at the Seminary. Today was a unique circumstance. 1) It's Ash Wednesday, and I knew that we wouldn't be attending the church that we normally go to because of...2)It was also regional assignment day for the senior class and a special worship service was held this evening. I'm thankful that I was able to attend both, despite the migraine set-back.

So, all day fighting a nasty headache, I was feeling so awful that I didn't meet my own expectations of my goal for lent. I started to doubt myself, and talk myself out of doing this altogether. Surely the powers that be didn't want me to go forward with this, thus plaguing me with the migraine. That's it, I will throw in the towel! "Goodness Ivy, save the theatrics", is what I told myself and so here I am posting this blog at 9:30pm Central time, and what's left of Day 1 of "Do Something"?

This:

Take the rest of this evening to think about what goals you may have for this 40 day journey. Is it, reconnecting with a loved one, or friend? Or maybe a fitness or nutrition goal. Do you want to live a healthier life, and get fit? Is it a spiritual goal? Do you want to read more and watch less television? Take time to do something for yourself, something that brings you joy and fulfillment, or do something for someone else that will bring them joy or fulfillment. Do you want to be part of service projects in your area, to connect with people who are in need? Help tutor kids in school whose parents work and they don't have anyone to help them with homework. Invite a neighbor over for dinner and get to know them. This list is endless.

Think about it, pray about it, write it down.

I can't wait to see you all tomorrow!

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!

What is the real reason?

I woke up today with such high expectations of enjoying a fun Valentine's with Jason, Lily & Isaac. I prepared little Valentine's baskets with treats and handmade cards for Jason and the kids. I have a lovely Moroccan dinner planned for tonight and spending time with my family is the best gift anyone can have.

This morning had a different agenda altogether!

The kids and Jason loved their cute Valentine's arrangements, but where was mine? Cupid forgot mama Adams I guess, and while I put on a happy face for my children, I went downstairs to the laundry room to fold clothes, I broke down in tears. As I came up from the basement, Jason knew why I was upset. I don't think any words could comfort how I was feeling. I thought, "I should just push through this morning". I had a portrait appointment for Isaac to get his birthday pictures taken. Mind you, this is round 2 of trying to get Isaac in the portrait studio. Try #2 was NOT a success, so we went next door to Target to browse around. I knew I had a long to do list to get too and headed home with Isaac.

As I sat at my computer working on emails, phone calls, and the to-do list. I could tell that Isaac's diaper needed to be change. I headed up stairs and saw something sitting on my pillow. A beautifully written Valentine's Day card from Jason with the most amazing and encouraging words I have ever read. I guess he didn't forget after all. Thanks honey!

But, why am I still weepy and crying so much. I remember now!!! 3 years ago I lost a pregnancy. This would have been Baby Adams #2, but God had different plans for this baby and in the 13th week of pregnancy on February 13, 2009, we miscarried. I immediately had to have a D&C and I remember being in recovery at home on Valentine's Day.

So here I am , feeling ungrateful that I didn't get a box of chocolates and being ticked at my loving husband, when my heart and spirit had something else going on that had nothing to do with pink hearts and flowers.

I'm allowing my self to grieve today, and I'm allowing myself to enjoy this cute holiday with my family. I am grateful for the children God has given me, I wouldn't change it for the world.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Example is not the main thing in influencing others-it is the only thing. -Albert Schweitzer

Most if you know that I am a christian stay at home mom to 2 amazing children. I am very cautious of what I say around my kids, and I am very cautious of what is said by other people that around my children. Some of you reading this have probably been given the "stink-eye" from me if a naughty word has slipped out of your mouth ;)
Jason and I do not curse in front of our children and we have even banned what some people might think as innocent words from our vocabulary. Words such as: stupid, idiot, dumb, duh, crap...the list goes on. Before I tell you our dinner time story from this evening, let me assure you that we are not sheltering our children, but merely allowing them to actually be kids. Good, christ-centered children that speak kind words.
As parents, we want to uplift our children always. Teach them to be good people, teach them to be sensitive to others' needs, to praise God for what He does for us and to love one another.
Let me tell you our story..with yet, another preface.
I know that I am an excellent cook. This is no way being full of myself, I just recognize my gifts...and that is one of them! :)
Every now and then, when I think a meal is not quite perfect. I will say "sorry guys, it's probably not that good". Jason thinks it's ridiculous when I say this and enjoys every meal that is put on the plate. I have no idea why there is this tiny moment of insecurity that I have before we sit down to a meal. I suppose this is something I need to work on, and no better time to face this insecurity than tonight!
You see, Lily helped me prepare this evening's dessert. We have an abundance of mangos from the neighbor's tree. I was given the idea to make a cinnamon mango crisp tonight and invited my awesome kitchen helper. As we sat down to enjoy this amazing dessert. I start in with "picking" on what I could have changed about it...my insecurites started in again. We hear this soft little voice say "Sorry guys, it's probably not that good"
If my heart has ever sunk..it was that moment. Those ridiculous insecurities have slapped me right in the face tonight. My sweet (and very spunky) 4 year old was repreating me. What broke my heart was that we acknowledged Lily earlier that she was the one that made this yummy treat and now she thinks we didn't like it because I was saying that we made it with brown sugar instead of white sugar and that's why it was crunchier than normal crisp desserts. WOW!! I was shocked, I wanted to burst into tears, I wanted to erase that whole scene.
The holy spirit kept me strong and I firmly said, that this was the best dessert ever and that I was so proud that she had made it and on and on...I explained that "sometimes mommy wants to make the best meals ever that she sometimes thinks she doesn't do a good job". She looked at me and said, "mommy, this is really good..thank you"
You see folks, even when you think you are protecting your children from harsh words, or certain movies and shows, or thngs on the internet...it might be the tiniest, most innocent things that you think aren't harmful, that they hear and repeat...and sadly, make your insecurities..their insecurities.
Lesson learned...