Sounds of Hope

The week has started out difficult as I try to wrap my head around all that is happening in my body and thus in my life. So much of it out of any of my own control.
I found myself angry today when I happened to be watching a cheesy homemaker show that was supposed to be Christian. A guest, who had survived Cancer, was marketing herself and her recipes, etc... She was talking away when, in a tone that made me cringe, said something along the lines of "Well, you know, as your body is so are you spiritually". I was angry and hurt. Not good feelings rather you believe that statement or not. I was searching for what truth could I gather from Scripture.
I know that my attitude and spiritual temperament of each moment effect my body, but I do not think it is the reason/cause that I and others have endured so much. I have made it my goal to daily stay Christ centered, and have prayed that daily Jesus would be seen shining from my life. This lady's statement cut me to the core. Even worse is that she did it in the name of God and was getting paid! As one who suffers from chronic and genetic illness, I share this:

Enough! For the TRUTH:
Psalm 31:24 "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."
John 9:3 "Neither this man nor his parents sinned", said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."

These and other verses speak truth. Be sure you compare all you hear to scripture!
Now, I share this sound of hope that helps me daily:

Random Act of Kindness

Yesterday my daughter's boyfriend had a thought of a random act of kindness to which I would be the recipient. I was so blessed and excited both about being the beneficiary but also that young people are catching on to the idea that with random acts of kindness, we can change the world. Random Acts of Kindness first reemerged in our life after watching EVAN Almighty, and joining a movement to train church members in reaching one person at a time through acts of kindness. To learn more google these terms and watch the movie. See what God sparks you to do to spread his love!

The kindness we received was that our growing up children planned a day out together so that we, mom and dad, could have a day/date. These are few and far between in this season of life. We have found health issues to be the greatest hindrance, even more so than time. What reasons do you and your husband find that keep you from having quiet time alone, going on a date, and so forth? See if you can find some creative ways to go on a date. My daughter planned one that cost nearly nothing. She made a picnic from food in the pantry, packed Grandmothers quilt and other goodies in Mom's old picnic basket. She took her guest to a park near a lake which was also near a historical downtown, this provided free activities after the picnic.

My husband and I took our gift of time alone and had a nice afternoon together that included a subway lunch, shopping with Birthday money - without kids,talking, praying, listening and more. I had the beautiful chance of him sharing the upcoming Easter Musical with me. It set the mood for the afternoon. We were truly blessed by the kids and hope they enjoyed their trip to a special store and the beach! Not sure who got the best early valentine's but it seems all of us had a lovely Feb. weekend because we thought of one another.


** THIS BLOG POST IS PART OF THE FB FEB CHALLENGE**

Blogging Begins

To get me back into the routine of blogging I took on a blogging challenge from a friend. We are to blog everyday in February. I let everyone know that I might not make everyday, but will try to. The goal is just to get talking again! I hope you will support my efforts by visiting here regularly.

I am so excited about this challenge that I am posting the button so you too can get involved or read more great posts - all on facebook! See it to the left.

Why is this so exciting to me? My goal is to live abundantly in 2011 despite health, despite the economy, despite the world. My goals include spending more time in Bible Study and prayer, nurturing my family and friends, and not only educating my children but myself as well. There are other goals as well. I look forward to sharing about these in the days ahead. I recently found myself unable to communicate in anyway but gestures, this includes not being able to communicate online.Taking on this challenge is really retraining myself. I will always be more thankful for the gift and freedom to communicate. It is so worth working at it, and so worth fighting for.

God bless you as you strive to live abundantly in 2011!