The God Box

I was reading this month's edition of "Real Simple" and there was an article in it about a mother who kept a "God Box". In it, she wrote simple prayers for her family, for herself, for friends of friends of friends. When she passed away, her family was left with hundreds, if not thousands, of prayers she had said on their behalf. The mother also believed it was her way of turning the problems over to God. This is something that I struggle with. I always want to be in control. I need to learn to let go sometimes.

I've heard of and tried the visualization of putting my problems into a box, and imagining myself put it away. But the problem is, I couldn't leave that darn box alone! So, I think I may try this. I know in the long run, it will be a blessing to my family, too. They will get to see what has touched my heart and they will get to see what prayers were said for them.

One thing the mother did with her little notes was date each one. Then she wrote the prayer and signed it. She folded them up in little shapes and then put them in the box. So, I will pray for my friends and family, too. Also, on social networking sites such as Facebook, there are daily requests for prayer. I will pray for them too.

An Impromptu Visit

My sister decided to stop in for an impromptu visit last night. I am so glad that she did. It's been too long. I don't like being so far away from family. We laughed until we cried last night...over everything! We got to shop, go to dinner & she got to play with Ashlyn. I am so glad that for three months in a row (b/c of her visit), we'll get to see her!

The funniest thing that I can remember her saying this visit is that I need to start meditating! I know I really do need to let go of things that bother me & I need to realize that I don't have to like everyone & they don't have to like me. I am such a pleaser that it's hard for me to let go...

In a Cleaning Mood

I'm in a cleaning mood & I don't mean just my house! I'm cleaning up the food I eat. I am cleaning up the drinks I drink - meaning NO soda - NO more caffeine, NO more carbonation! Whew! Do you think I can do it?

As for food, I'm going at least 50% raw. I now have a refrigerator stocked with fresh fruits and veggies. I bought sprouts and herbal teas and whole grains. Nothing is processed. Nothing is artificial - not colors, not a word in the ingredient list that I can't pronounce! :)

And I feel really good about this decision. I need to be healthier. I need to quit poisoning my body. I need to live! I have so much to live for & so much to still give. If I'm not healthy, then I can't give of myself.

So, today, in keeping with my attitude of gratitude, I am thankful for this decision and pray that I will have the strength to stick with it.

Oh...and I intend to clean out my house & get rid of unnecessary, unwanted things. Time to reduce & live simpler. And I'm going to cut negative people - emotional vampires - out of my life, too! YAY for change! I'm feeling good!

A Plan??

This morning I had to drop Ashlyn off at the babysitter's house. This is something that Chris normally does. Yes...I've done it a few times before, and I'll do it again tomorrow.

This morning something different happened. I was sad. After leaving the sitter's house, I nearly had a panic attack thinking that my baby was missing. Weird...I know! I knew where she was. I knew she was safe. But that moment of panic was enough to bring me to tears.

Does it get any easier? I don't know. I really wish I could be a stay-at-home mom, but it isn't feasible right now. Maybe in a year. There are some things we need to pay off first. We have a plan in place, but it'll take some time to get there.

And here's my other gripe: Why the heck don't they pay police officers a salary that is worth what they do!!!???!!!

Oh...enough complaining already! I know...I've been on this grateful kick, and I need to remember to stay on it.

So....today I am thankful that I do have a job that helps to support my family. I am thankful that I was able to surprise a friend/co-worker for her birthday today. I am thankful for my family!

My Attitude of Gratitude for Today!

Today I am grateful for:

* Ghirardelli chocolate chips - They cured my chocolate craving today!

* Chris coming home! Yay! I'm so glad he had a great time with the guys.

* Ashlyn falling asleep in her crib without fussing tonight. I feel like I've accomplished something!

* The smell of fresh washed clothes. I love original scented Tide.

Gratitude!

I have been thinking lately that I need to live a life of gratitude. That's definitely easier said than done. Too often I get caught up in the anger I feel of what could have been or what should have been or of the struggles I've had in my life. I know that holding onto anger or resentment isn't healthy. I also know that if I'm able to do this, I will be a better wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend...essentially, I'll be a better person as a whole.

So I think I will start blogging about the things for which I'm grateful.



Tonight, I am grateful for a husband who loves me. He cheers me on when I think I can't go any further. He worries about me when I'm sad. He lets me vent and express my emotions without judging. He is my best friend.

Goals!

So, I've been thinking about life and what I want out of it lately. I've also been thinking about what's best for my family also. So, I've decided I need to have goals - goals that are measurable and attainable. So, here goes...

1. Hang up the big mirror that has been behind the couch for over a year! Yeah...that might not seem like something big, but it has been bugging me!

2. Finish finishing the end tables & coffee table...good grief can I procrastinate! That's been lingering for quite a while!

3. Finish Cate's quilt. I bought the material & have never even cut the squares. I need to get busy! Maybe she'll get it by Christmas if I start now!!

4. Sort all of my pics and categorize them into photo boxes. I bought photo boxes from Hobby Lobby for a really great price. Now I just need to use them.

5. Read something uplifting everyday - the scriptures daily! Also read other uplifting books.

6. Clean my kitchen everyday. That's my nemesis. I love to cook in it, but I hate to clean it. My sink will sparkle every night...well sparkle as much as an old ceramic sink can sparkle! :)

7. Hold my baby on my lap and read her books. We do this any way, but I never want to lose sight of it with everything else that is going on.

8. Get some live plants for the house. I used to have a green thumb, but it has gone away. I want to find it again.

9. Make pesto to freeze with the Basil that Chris lovingly grew this year. He really took great care of it. I would hate for his efforts to go to waste.

10. Be a good person. This should be simple one would think, but it's not always. I tend to pick up on other people's emotions & if they're jerks, I tend to be a jerk back. I need to learn to turn the other cheek and remember that even if I can't stand that person at that moment, that Jesus does love them & wants what is best for them. I need to be less judgmental and let love fill my heart and pass that love on to others - even if I think they don't deserve it!