Saturday, November 23, 2013

How others see us


 

   A couple of months ago I watched this video and it really resonated with me, as it probably did with millions of others. We beat ourselves up so much, and not just over appearance either. 

Did I say the right thing?, act the right way......did they think I'm odd or crazy? 

    To see first hand how others viewed them is eye opening! Don't you wish you could see yourself that way? Not so much as to make you vain, but to give yourself a little more grace. We are made in the image of God, we are His beautiful creation!    

     Have you had people compliment you, yet you shrugged it off thinking 'they can't really mean that' or 'they're just saying that to be nice'? Do you stand in your closet getting ready for an outing (or anywhere for that matter) and put on one outfit only to change because you think it makes you look fat, or frumpy....or ______ fill in the blank? Do you leave a party and wonder just how many times you put your foot in your mouth? I know I sure do!

   I received a very sweet encouraging email the other day and it made me look back in time. Back to a few comments people have made over the years that made me stop in my 'beat myself up attitude', making me long to get a glimpse of myself from their point of view. 

   It makes me want to be more intentional about telling people how I see them. How they inspire me. Not by just saying 'you inspire me' but including details. Writing a note, email or text. 

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ~Maya Angelou

So, I'm challenging myself (and you!) to tell people more often how you see them (the good stuff) and what they mean to you. Allow them to feel Christ's love through you.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! 
And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1 

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Saturday, November 2, 2013

Contentment


We are a year & a half into running our own business. It's a lot of work & stress and I have to keep reminding myself of the things that make me happy about it instead of looking to the future at where I want to be.


  • Witnessing two ladies picking out & buying SIX bags full of clothes to go to a family in need.



  • Watching someone pay for a set of cloth diapers to send home with a missionary who would not have access to disposable diapers.



  • Providing a place for families to be able to purchase homeschool materials that I know they wouldn't be able to afford new. 



  • Having many people comment on how much they love hearing the Christian music playing in our shop.



  • Being able to ask my boys to help a customer carry a box of books and see them not skip a beat, but jump up to help with a smile. 


There is happiness in the moment. This day, this moment. Lord, help me to keep seeing it.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Halloween 2013

It's hard to believe that the Halloween picture above is from two years ago! Someday I may replace it with a current pic, but for now my hearts content to keep it there.

Any who~ I wasn't intending to go down a sad road with this post. We decided to keep on with the tradition of having a family theme, this year: Movie Night!


We got them all dressed up and they trick or treated at the businesses downtown last week. And can I just say, I am SO glad that we did because Halloween night it was raining! The costumes were made of mostly poster board & markers that would completely ruin in the rain. All day long the kids had a solemn attitude thinking we would not be able to go. We closed up shop at 3pm and started driving home, with a van full of disappointment. If you read my last post, I'm trying (and praying for His strength) to be fully engaged with the kids, putting in a full effort.

So, I turn the van around.

A quick stop back at the shop, one quick trip to the dollar store & we came up with 8 new costume ideas that wouldn't be ruined by rain! Yay! We ended up with (in order from oldest to youngest): Spidergirl, Soldier, Football player, Princess, Ninja, Biker dude, Punk rock girl, & a blue alien (Mabel & Nicholas stayed in the van). In all the rush for plan B I forgot to snap any pictures. Boo. But the kids had a ton of fun and gathered enough candy to ensure high dental bills in our future. Success! :)