Practice Makes Perfect...

A few weeks ago I started a morning routine of reading a daily devotional before really beginning my day. In the past, I have always started my morning in prayer and then jumped right into my work. I realized recently that I wanted to spend a little more time with God and to have something to focus on for the day ahead. This has been one of my better decisions because it forces me to start the day off with a clearer focus and perspective. So often I start the day off with a bad attitude or whining about trivial things…trust me…it’s easy to do when you’re not a morning person.

This morning’s devotional was titled “Keep on Keeping On” which not only cracked me up (I truly can’t picture the author of this book saying that with a straight face) but also included some key concepts that I really need to focus on this month:

#1) It is important to continue doing what you know is right – even if you are the only one who’s doing it.

It’s one of those reminders that challenges you to stop and take inventory of and responsibility for your actions. It is so convenient to justify doing things that may not be right by comparing ourselves to others or following in other people’s footsteps. Sure, follow the leader was fun when we were kids…but nowadays it’s best to make sure you know where you’re going and why you’re going there.

The Challenge?

To walk my own path, to not be influenced by others and to make choices that I know and feel are right.
 

#2) God is on your side.

I am guilty of this…as I am sure many other are as well… we forget that God is for us. On more than one occasion I have found myself asking God why – Why this? Why now? Why me? It is so easy to slip into this habit of asking why…and sadly this type of prayer tends to take on an almost accusatory tone when we feel things are difficult or wrong.

The Challenge?

To remember that God is always on my side and that choosing to have faith in God is also choosing to have faith in His timing and His plans.

And here’s the rub: It is so easy to read and write about these concepts and revelations…it’s much harder to practice them.

I'm not sure that I believe that practice makes "perfect" but it sure couldn't hurt to try. 

 

Love,
Elyse

Rain...

Today I stood in the rain. I haven’t done that in so long…just taken a few minutes to forget about everything and to care about nothing. Children do it all of the time. They lose themselves in something joyful and exciting and forget about everything else in that moment. I needed the rain today.

When Jax was a puppy I used to take him into the side yard early every morning. I would go out with him to make sure he actually took care of business instead of just sniffing walls. And in the few minutes I was out in the early morning air I would pick a point in the sky to look at and just say “thank you” out loud. It was my way of saying good morning to God without prayer and without any expectation…just a moment to be thankful for another day.

It’s been a long time since I have done that and now I find that the only time I do it is when I’m out running around and notice that the day or the weather is nice. Today when it started raining I decided it was the perfect time to take my break from work. I walked outside into the shadows and rain and just stood there. Hands out, face to the sky and all smiles with nothing on my mind other than “thank you”.

While I stood there, the clouds briefly parted to let sun shine through and yet the rain continued. One of my favorite quotes that I’ve mentioned in the past includes the statement, “I believe in God even when He is silent”. It’s moments like feeling the sun shine through the rain that feel like a personal conversation between me and God. And as the rain washed away the dirt from the days prior…it washed away the negativity and the grime from my attitude…leaving behind thankfulness and perspective.

Sometimes it’s not that God is silent…it’s that we don’t take the time to listen.

Take the time to stand in the rain this week.

Love,

Elyse

Dear Ethan...

I have been trying to write letters to my husband regularly but I thought a little change of pace would be okay this week.

My best friend is expecting her first baby in August and I ran into (my new favorite) baby shower activity online today – Wishes for Baby.

So little Ethan, today I write to you…

Dear Ethan,

I hope you learn: how to forgive. It’s a lesson that some people will never learn but it is valuable and it will be important to you as you grow up.

I hope you aren’t afraid: to take chances. Sometimes the most intimidating obstacles have the biggest rewards behind them.

I hope you love: without hesitation. Love is magical and you’re already entering the world surrounded by so much of it.

I hope you get: your mom’s ability to quote movies and your dad’s love for golf. Never underestimate the power of a funny quote and a killer golf swing.

I hope you laugh: every day. You’ll probably notice that your “Aunt” Elyse laughs at her own jokes pretty regularly. Make sure you can laugh at yourself – it’s good for you.

I hope you never forget: how loved you are. You are a little bundle of magic that God has blessed your parent’s lives with and they already love you so more than they can express.

I hope you ignore: Negativity. It will never do you any good and it’s easy to let it take over…avoid negative people, comments and attitudes.

I hope you become: everything you dream of being. Do not let anyone talk you out of your hopes and dreams. Let your faith be bigger than your fear.

I hope you respect: everyone. Always use “Please” and “Thank you” and never (ever) let a door shut on a lady.

I hope you grow: up happy and healthy. I hope that every day is filled with smiles, laughter, discovery and love.

Love,

Elyse