I believe …

… that God gives me the freedom of choice.  I also believe that if I make the wrong choice, but don’t lose my faith, I take away invaluable lessons and knowledge.  I believe if I make a good choice, I can still screw it up by not appreciating it.

I believe I can learn something from every good and bad situation. I might not know it while I am in the midst of it; but if I make the most of it, I can use help myself or someone else later. 

I believe blaming other people is a waste of time.  I believe I should not let other people’s thoughts or actions control me.  I make a decision to do better, be better, live better.  I might have to start by doing better out of spite.  The bottom line is, I will still be doing better.

I believe everyone should rise up, raise the bar and raise it again when you get there.  Some people will come with you, some people will cheer you on and others will stay behind and try to drag you down.  Recognize the difference and continue to give your best.

Right now as you read this, stretch your arm up as far as you can.  Now, stretch a little higher.  See?  You still had room to grow.

I believe I can apply this to all of the different areas of my life as a wife, Mother, Christian,  employee, daughter and friend. 

I believe I am not the only one who can reach a little higher.

I exercised …

my right to vote today. 

Lost and Found

This year it looked as though high school soccer was going to be as frustrating as last year.  The first game was scheduled for tonight and yesterday after practice the coach told Chelsea that her physical was not on file.  I called the school first thing this morning and asked the secretary to look for it.  We had it done last Spring at school so everything would be in line this year.  It was not found before the end of the school day.  Her coach asked her to show up at the game to be with the team.  My child is really compliant when it comes to things like this and takes it better than I do.  We went to the game and she sat the bench for the first 25 minutes or so.  Sometime during that 25 minutes another player mentioned to her that there was a paper with Chelsea’s name on it in the coach’s desk.  The coach gave Chelsea his keys and we went on a hunt in his office.  Sure enough, physical found.  Chelsea was so excited!  She ran back to the field, physical in hand and gave it to the coach.  She immediately put on her shin guards and cleats and got a few minutes of playing time before the end of the first half of the varsity game.  She also got a fair amount of time in the second half.  The varsity team lost 3-2.  The JV game followed and she did not have as much playing time in that game.  She did make the most of the time she had though.  The JV team won, 1-0, and the goal was off of Chelsea’s assist!!!

The Invitation

When I was in the fifth grade, a new friend changed the course of my life.  Seriously.  My entire life from the fifth grade until now.  She began by inviting me to retreats and youth group functions over the next three years.  When we were in the 8th grade, she invited me to camp.  When camp was over, I started to attend SBRCC on a regular basis. 

Over time, this friend stopped coming to church.  I still call her and I still invite her.  I know what a difference her invitation to me made.  Yesterday, she and her family came to church.  It wasn’t the first time in years, but it was the first time in years I was able to sit by her.  As I sat there with her I thought about all of the people that I love and have great friendships with as a result of her invitation. 

• I met and married my husband there
• We are raising a child there
• Our child was baptized a year ago there
• My sister met and married her husband there
• They are raising two children there
• I met my best friends there – these are true, life long friends

The list goes on and on.  As a result of her invitation, I have a relationship with the Lord that has allowed me to grow and love in a way that I might never have experienced. 

Share your faith.  It just might change the course of someones entire life.

Thank you for the invitation Chantell, I love you.