Sometimes I forget that what I go through and experience in my life, both good and bad, is meant to be shared with others. I can find myself in the mindset that what I experience is mine only, meant to be kept private. And sure, there are things that I do believe are meant to only be shared with you, God and specific people involved in that experience. But on a broader scale, I think we forget that what we're going through, or may go through in the future, somebody else has either gone through it or will go through it. We're not alone.
This past week, I've found myself studying Abraham and this truth has been pushed deeper and deeper. Genesis 12:2-3 says "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." What we experience in our life is meant to be used as a blessing for those around us, near and far. That means, I'm meant to share those experiences. They are not just my own.
It can be a lot easier to share the good that happens in my life and much harder to share the bad, too. But there is value in both!! As I've watched the horrific situation with Mia's brother, Christian, continue to unfold, it has been such a blessing to watch as people have stepped up, near and far, whether they personally know the Mayberry family or not. And to watch God's hand at work has been amazing!! There have been things, situations, experiences that have happened years prior in other's lives that are being used in tremendous ways to bless the Mayberry family today. Only God could do that!
So, as I go through this day, I'm trying to remember that what I experience and go through can, and is meant to, bless others in ways I don't even know...even if it's simply to let somebody else know they are not alone!
9.30.2013
9.28.2013
One incredible man
Today is my dad's birthday! And he is an incredible man...one of the best that I know.
He is one of the most thoughtful and caring people I know. If there is a need, he's the first one to step up and meet the need, no matter what that need is. He even has a way of anticipating needs and meeting them before they are even spoken.
He is one of the most loving people I know. He and my mom have been happily married for 32 years (and going strong!). That is quite an accomplishment! Sure, they have had ups and downs over the years, but they have always remained faithful and committed to one another. What a beautiful example they have set before Robert and I, and someday my brother, too.
He is the best Papa to my kids. He loves them like no other. Several years ago, my mom and I headed off for a Scentsy convention in Denver. Robert was out of vacation days, so my dad willingly, and excitedly, offered to watch Collin during the day for the 3 days we were gone. Keep in mind, Collin was still in diapers at this point. Sure, one of the diapers was put on backwards. But, they had the best time together!! And once Emma came along, he was really sunk! :) She has had him wrapped around her little finger since we found out we were having a girl. And it is the sweetest thing! They adore their Papa and I adore watching him with them.
He is the best dad I could imagine. Seriously, he is the most perfect dad for me. He has loved me unconditionally. Encouraged me always. Supported me in everything. Welcomed Robert like his own son. Prayed for me always. Just the best.
He is a man after God's heart. He has always lead our family to Jesus. And I don't mean just going to church and/or going through the motions. I'm talking about actively living out a real relationship with Jesus and showing us how we can have the same. And he's doing the same with my kids now.
I am so grateful to have my dad in my life! I'm thankful for the years we've had and excited about the years to come.
Happy birthday, Dad!!! I love you more than words can say!
Father's Day 2013
He is one of the most thoughtful and caring people I know. If there is a need, he's the first one to step up and meet the need, no matter what that need is. He even has a way of anticipating needs and meeting them before they are even spoken.
He is one of the most loving people I know. He and my mom have been happily married for 32 years (and going strong!). That is quite an accomplishment! Sure, they have had ups and downs over the years, but they have always remained faithful and committed to one another. What a beautiful example they have set before Robert and I, and someday my brother, too.
He is the best Papa to my kids. He loves them like no other. Several years ago, my mom and I headed off for a Scentsy convention in Denver. Robert was out of vacation days, so my dad willingly, and excitedly, offered to watch Collin during the day for the 3 days we were gone. Keep in mind, Collin was still in diapers at this point. Sure, one of the diapers was put on backwards. But, they had the best time together!! And once Emma came along, he was really sunk! :) She has had him wrapped around her little finger since we found out we were having a girl. And it is the sweetest thing! They adore their Papa and I adore watching him with them.
He is the best dad I could imagine. Seriously, he is the most perfect dad for me. He has loved me unconditionally. Encouraged me always. Supported me in everything. Welcomed Robert like his own son. Prayed for me always. Just the best.
He is a man after God's heart. He has always lead our family to Jesus. And I don't mean just going to church and/or going through the motions. I'm talking about actively living out a real relationship with Jesus and showing us how we can have the same. And he's doing the same with my kids now.
I am so grateful to have my dad in my life! I'm thankful for the years we've had and excited about the years to come.
Happy birthday, Dad!!! I love you more than words can say!
9.26.2013
In a rut? Be thankful!
Sometimes I can find myself in a rut, for no particular reason. I become complacent to all the blessings and good God has placed in my life. Thankfully, when I find myself in that place, God almost always has a way of waking me up to the beauty that He has surrounded me with on a daily basis.
I didn't realize I was in this rut until I recently became very aware of those blessings. Sure, life has it's ups and downs and things do not go always go perfectly...ok, they rarely go perfectly. But, I do try to maintain a positive attitude and reflect on the good. Because really, even on my worst days, I'm so very blessed!!
I am so grateful for the wonderful people God has placed in my life. There was a time, in the fairly recent past if I'm being honest, that I struggled with loneliness. I had people in my life who were "friends", but only if it was convenient or beneficial to them. Thankfully, this brought me to my knees in prayer and I realized pretty quickly that in order to have friends, the kind I was longing for, I needed to be that friend to others. That has been my goal ever since, to love like He loves, in my friendships. I am by no means the perfect friend, but God has blessed me with precious, precious relationships that I cherish.
I am so grateful for my family. And that I'm able to live close to my parents and grandparents and watch my kids grow a beautiful relationship with all of them. There were times during my high school years that my mom and I did not see eye to eye on things. And honestly, we both wondered if our relationship would ever be repaired enough to call each other friend?! But God is so faithful and He restored our relationship ten fold and now I can proudly call my mom one of my best friends!
I am so grateful for my husband. Sure, we have our ups and downs, like any married couple does, but there is no one better suited for me than him. God so knew what He was doing when He put the two of us together!! And I couldn't be more thankful for him; for the love he has for me; for the love he has for our family; for the way he provides for our family; for his faithfulness. So many things, I could go on and on. But you get the picture. :)
I am so grateful for my kids and that I'm able to stay home with them! I realize this isn't the most popular decision in our society, to be a homemaker, but it is exactly what God has made me to do. Sure, we have rough days and Mommy needs a break! But who doesn't have those days?! These days are fleeting and I am so very grateful that I'm able to spend these precious years with my children!!
So, reflecting on all the blessings in my life is a great way to stay out of a rut and grateful for all that's in my life. I would encourage you to give it a try, too. You might be surprised at how much good you find. :)
Until next time,
Kristal
I didn't realize I was in this rut until I recently became very aware of those blessings. Sure, life has it's ups and downs and things do not go always go perfectly...ok, they rarely go perfectly. But, I do try to maintain a positive attitude and reflect on the good. Because really, even on my worst days, I'm so very blessed!!
I am so grateful for the wonderful people God has placed in my life. There was a time, in the fairly recent past if I'm being honest, that I struggled with loneliness. I had people in my life who were "friends", but only if it was convenient or beneficial to them. Thankfully, this brought me to my knees in prayer and I realized pretty quickly that in order to have friends, the kind I was longing for, I needed to be that friend to others. That has been my goal ever since, to love like He loves, in my friendships. I am by no means the perfect friend, but God has blessed me with precious, precious relationships that I cherish.
I am so grateful for my family. And that I'm able to live close to my parents and grandparents and watch my kids grow a beautiful relationship with all of them. There were times during my high school years that my mom and I did not see eye to eye on things. And honestly, we both wondered if our relationship would ever be repaired enough to call each other friend?! But God is so faithful and He restored our relationship ten fold and now I can proudly call my mom one of my best friends!
I am so grateful for my husband. Sure, we have our ups and downs, like any married couple does, but there is no one better suited for me than him. God so knew what He was doing when He put the two of us together!! And I couldn't be more thankful for him; for the love he has for me; for the love he has for our family; for the way he provides for our family; for his faithfulness. So many things, I could go on and on. But you get the picture. :)
I am so grateful for my kids and that I'm able to stay home with them! I realize this isn't the most popular decision in our society, to be a homemaker, but it is exactly what God has made me to do. Sure, we have rough days and Mommy needs a break! But who doesn't have those days?! These days are fleeting and I am so very grateful that I'm able to spend these precious years with my children!!
So, reflecting on all the blessings in my life is a great way to stay out of a rut and grateful for all that's in my life. I would encourage you to give it a try, too. You might be surprised at how much good you find. :)
Until next time,
Kristal
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