On most normal days, I am easily distracted and always have to have some kind of noise in the background. I have K-Love or Pandora playing on my computer all day at work, I listen to the radio on the way home, turn the TV on as soon as I walk in the door, and don't usually turn it off until I go to bed. (Where I immediately turn on my sound machine to sleep!) If there's not noise around me, there's an uncomfortable silence.
But today is different. Today I am craving silence. It's almost like everything going on around me is multiplied x10 today and I can't even hear myself think. I would like nothing more than to go into a room by myself and sit in the silence for several hours. Have you ever had a day like this? Where you just crave alone time??
This is my prayer this evening (and my prayer for you also if you need it) - that He calms my heart and gives me peace and stillness; that He leads me to some "alone" time so I can study His word without interruptions. Sometimes we need this time so we can refocus and be rejuvenated (and today I'm yearning for it!!). So I'm signing off for the night. Happy Valentine's Day! :)
-Brittney
2.14.2011
2.13.2011
The Story of Your Life.
For the most part, yesterday was a rough day for me. For some reason or another, I had a day where I questioned everything in my life. I know everyone goes through this, but I sincerely pictured myself as being a little older before this happened. I woke up yesterday morning earlier than usual and felt this cloud over my head. As I got ready to run some errands, flashbacks of the last several years ran through my mind - from college days, to getting married, to moving several times, living with my parents for a year while my mom recovered from a stroke, and so on and so on. All I could think about was the "what ifs" and "whys?" What if I hadn't gotten married? What if I didn't have the job I do now? Why was I called to leave my home church after 22 years? And the one that really gets me....Why can't my body physically have the one thing in life I most desire...a child? I had a visual glimpse of what my life would be like today if things had been different - maybe I would be working overseas in an orphanage in Central America, maybe I would be living with my parents saving money and traveling in my free time. I pictured my life in several different scenarios, wondering exactly what I would be doing. Have you ever had a day like this? It was like a huge weight on my shoulders and made me question every decision I had ever made in my life. As I hung out with some friends' kids last night, I put all this aside and focused on the thought that maybe I was having an off day, and reminded myself everything is different in the morning. I always feel better in the morning.
And that's exactly what happened. Today is Sunday, and again I woke up earlier than usual. My husband is sick today, so I got up alone, got ready for church, and had some quiet time with God before heading to the 8:30 church service. I prayed and prayed that at worship, God would show me exactly why I am where I am today and why I took the road I did. So He did. I was led to a place of worship this morning that my heart hasn't been to in a while. I sang the songs as true prayers to God, asking Him to lead my life and help me to give up control. At the service this morning, we watched a Dave Ramsey video about finances and how to be a generous giver. Towards the end, there was a story about a family who worked towards adoption and was blessed beyond measure financially so they could. I cried as I sat back and God spoke to my heart - telling me again (in the past I've pushed the thought aside) that I was made to adopt. My heart breaks for these children and God put me in this place to whisper to me yet again that He has a plan for my life.
So to answer my questions from yesterday about why I am where I am today, God showed me. I'm married to my husband because he too has a special place in his heart for adoption. I have the job I do today because it has helped me become a more compassionate person and helped me to love those around me more, as well as make me appreciate everything I have. I can't physically have a child right now because God has bigger plans. I was called away from my home church I grew up in to go somewhere else, where I would gain support from friends who continually bless my life and challenge me in a way spiritually that I've never had before. A journal I bought yesterday has my favorite scripture on it, Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you....to give you a future and a hope." And that's exactly what He's doing.
A song I've heard a lot lately is called "The Story of Your Life" by Matthew West. The chorus says
"This is the story of your life, you decide how the rest is going to read."
So I've decided to run forward and not look back. I can't change what's in the past (nor would I want to - God has placed me where I am for a reason). I'm to keep my focus on Him, and know that where ever He leads me, I'm not alone. He holds the plans to my life and that's how I want it to stay.
-Brittney
And that's exactly what happened. Today is Sunday, and again I woke up earlier than usual. My husband is sick today, so I got up alone, got ready for church, and had some quiet time with God before heading to the 8:30 church service. I prayed and prayed that at worship, God would show me exactly why I am where I am today and why I took the road I did. So He did. I was led to a place of worship this morning that my heart hasn't been to in a while. I sang the songs as true prayers to God, asking Him to lead my life and help me to give up control. At the service this morning, we watched a Dave Ramsey video about finances and how to be a generous giver. Towards the end, there was a story about a family who worked towards adoption and was blessed beyond measure financially so they could. I cried as I sat back and God spoke to my heart - telling me again (in the past I've pushed the thought aside) that I was made to adopt. My heart breaks for these children and God put me in this place to whisper to me yet again that He has a plan for my life.
So to answer my questions from yesterday about why I am where I am today, God showed me. I'm married to my husband because he too has a special place in his heart for adoption. I have the job I do today because it has helped me become a more compassionate person and helped me to love those around me more, as well as make me appreciate everything I have. I can't physically have a child right now because God has bigger plans. I was called away from my home church I grew up in to go somewhere else, where I would gain support from friends who continually bless my life and challenge me in a way spiritually that I've never had before. A journal I bought yesterday has my favorite scripture on it, Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you....to give you a future and a hope." And that's exactly what He's doing.
A song I've heard a lot lately is called "The Story of Your Life" by Matthew West. The chorus says
"This is the story of your life, you decide how the rest is going to read."
So I've decided to run forward and not look back. I can't change what's in the past (nor would I want to - God has placed me where I am for a reason). I'm to keep my focus on Him, and know that where ever He leads me, I'm not alone. He holds the plans to my life and that's how I want it to stay.
-Brittney
2.10.2011
No more excuses.
I was reading an article in a magazine today that spoke of the effects of the Haiti earthquake more than 1 year ago. The article stated that out of the 10 billion dollars pledged after the earthquake for relief, only 1 billion was received (leaving the country in a state of devastation). The article doesn’t explain why the aid wasn’t received, so we can only speculate – was there red tap involved with the U.S. and Haiti governments, or did those who pledge not follow through on their giving?
The thought of not following through really resonated with me today. How many times on a daily basis do we say we are going to do something, and not follow through? Whether it is work, home, or faith related, we get distracted and things get pushed to the back burner. In our fast-paced lifestyles, only what is needed now is completed. This especially speaks to me as I often put my faith with Christ on an as-needed basis. It seems like when things are going great, I don’t feel the need to pray as often, but when things are going bad, I keep my Bible out for hours. My excuse: I’m too busy and don’t have time for it. As I was thinking about this today, I kept going back to the picture of Jesus on the cross. Did Jesus say, “I’m sorry, I can’t be crucified today because it doesn’t fit in my schedule?” or “I’m too busy, can we do this tomorrow?” Absolutely not. He gave up His life for us – the biggest sacrifice anyone can make. Yet we can’t spend 10 or 15 minutes alone with Him once a day (I’m speaking to myself here….)
I don’t know about you, but I’m going home tonight to spend some time with my Creator. We can’t continue to put things ahead of God in our lives. He must be first and foremost in all we do, then everything else will fall into place.
-Brittney
Seek and you will find...
This week I have been challenged by a friend to take a new outlook on life - to TRULY seek God's will for my life daily, and to pause and marvel at the beautiful things He has placed on this earth. Let me just say, you don't have to look hard to find God, and this week I am in awe of how he has shown up in so many situations. Let me just share a few:
1) Our church is currently on the topic of finances and how to budget and live so you can give more and gain financial stability. Well, Eddie and I have really been struggling with just how much to give to the church. We have questioned what is right vs. what we can truly afford (and still have money to pay bills.) This past Sunday, I put our normal offering in the bucket, but also felt compelled to give the last $5 I had in my purse. On Monday, I reached into my pants pocket and found a wadded up $20 bill. It had only been hours earlier that morning Eddie and I were trying to figure out how we would have gas money for him to drive to Louisville for a work conference on Thursday. Problem solved. God showed up and blessed us and spoke to me saying He would always take care of me.
2) A few weeks ago a lady came into my office at work and told me her story of how she had been laid off after 17 years of work. I hear stories like this several times a day, but this one in particular touched my heart. I have been praying for her for 2 weeks now. At lunch on Tuesday, I brought her up casually in conversation, saying I had still been thinking about her and praying for her to find a job. I returned to my desk from lunch to find an email from a department manager saying she wanted to interview this woman for a position. Wow! The woman was so appreciative when I called her for an interview. This truly was the highlight of my week!
My point of these stories is that this week God has shown up and proved to me He's there. But as I think about it a little more, I'm reminded He's always there. I'm the one who "showed up" this week and took the time to look for Him. We all get so involved in our daily lives we forget that we have loving Father who very much desires that we seek Him.
So here's my challenge to you: look for God today. Seek Him with everything you have. Make your entire day focused on seeing his beauty and mighty acts. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
1) Our church is currently on the topic of finances and how to budget and live so you can give more and gain financial stability. Well, Eddie and I have really been struggling with just how much to give to the church. We have questioned what is right vs. what we can truly afford (and still have money to pay bills.) This past Sunday, I put our normal offering in the bucket, but also felt compelled to give the last $5 I had in my purse. On Monday, I reached into my pants pocket and found a wadded up $20 bill. It had only been hours earlier that morning Eddie and I were trying to figure out how we would have gas money for him to drive to Louisville for a work conference on Thursday. Problem solved. God showed up and blessed us and spoke to me saying He would always take care of me.
2) A few weeks ago a lady came into my office at work and told me her story of how she had been laid off after 17 years of work. I hear stories like this several times a day, but this one in particular touched my heart. I have been praying for her for 2 weeks now. At lunch on Tuesday, I brought her up casually in conversation, saying I had still been thinking about her and praying for her to find a job. I returned to my desk from lunch to find an email from a department manager saying she wanted to interview this woman for a position. Wow! The woman was so appreciative when I called her for an interview. This truly was the highlight of my week!
My point of these stories is that this week God has shown up and proved to me He's there. But as I think about it a little more, I'm reminded He's always there. I'm the one who "showed up" this week and took the time to look for Him. We all get so involved in our daily lives we forget that we have loving Father who very much desires that we seek Him.
So here's my challenge to you: look for God today. Seek Him with everything you have. Make your entire day focused on seeing his beauty and mighty acts. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
2.09.2011
Brief biography
Fact: I like to write. Fact: I think about A LOT of things (sometimes a little more than I should). For these reasons, and several others, I have decided its time to put my thoughts on paper (or computer if you will) so over time I can reflect on life a little more. So that's what this is: a collection of my thoughts, dreams, prayers, and questions about this world and our awesome, Heavenly Father. I thought I would start with a mini bio about myself (and for those of you that know me pretty well, keep reading, I know you will find something you don't know.)
*Middle Name: Kay (named after my aunt, Katrina Kay.)
*I am 1 of 4 children. Brandon was the oldest (he passed away when I was 3 from heart problems), Me (23), Eric (21), and Brandi (19). I didn't always get along with my younger siblings. Actually, until this past year we didn't have much in common. But that is all changing in a great way.
*I grew up in a pretty poor family and have learned to be so thankful for what I have. I don't want a lot or need a lot to be content.
*I have been married for 3 years to my husband Eddie, although still have never been to his home country, Colombia. (Hopefully that will change this year.) No children yet, but hope to have a big family. Which leads me to my next fact...
*I have a heart for adoption. Eddie and I both are excited at the thought of adopting oversees when God says the time is right.
*I took 4 years of Spanish, so even if I can't respond to a question, I know exactly what you are saying, so don't talk about me...
*Music is my life. I have taken piano and guitar lessons but haven't mastered either. I love to sing, but mainly when no one is around!
*Favorite food: Chips and salsa or anything spicy!
*Favorite soda: Addicted to diet coke.
*Favorite dessert/candy: I'm not picky. I eat just about anything that has sugar in it.
*My grandparents are a huge part of my life and without them I wouldn't be who I am today.
*I work in Human Resources, which I really enjoy. The downside: I think I have practically become immune to people's hardships because I hear so many on a daily basis. I'm working on changing my attitude about this.
*I was a nerd in school. I'm not exaggerating. It paid off when I went to college: 4 years of private school completely paid for.
*My major in college was Business, with an emphasis in HR, but I actually went to KWC to be a youth minister and graduated with a minor in Christian Ministries from Kentucky Wesleyan.
*By being married to Eddie, I have become a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan over the past 3 years. Go Cards!
*Favorite music: Hillsong, Bethany Dillon, David Crowder Band, Britt Nicole, Chris Tomlin
*I am working on a daily basis to become more real with people. A good friend told me again tonight we aren't made to keep everything to ourselves. I am striving to be genuine and honest with those who love me so we can truly "do life together."
Ok, that was a little more than a "mini" bio, but it's what is important to me. I'm sure you will learn more as I keep this updated. Praying for warmth and safety for you all on this cold, snowy night.
-Brittney
*Middle Name: Kay (named after my aunt, Katrina Kay.)
*I am 1 of 4 children. Brandon was the oldest (he passed away when I was 3 from heart problems), Me (23), Eric (21), and Brandi (19). I didn't always get along with my younger siblings. Actually, until this past year we didn't have much in common. But that is all changing in a great way.
*I grew up in a pretty poor family and have learned to be so thankful for what I have. I don't want a lot or need a lot to be content.
*I have been married for 3 years to my husband Eddie, although still have never been to his home country, Colombia. (Hopefully that will change this year.) No children yet, but hope to have a big family. Which leads me to my next fact...
*I have a heart for adoption. Eddie and I both are excited at the thought of adopting oversees when God says the time is right.
*I took 4 years of Spanish, so even if I can't respond to a question, I know exactly what you are saying, so don't talk about me...
*Music is my life. I have taken piano and guitar lessons but haven't mastered either. I love to sing, but mainly when no one is around!
*Favorite food: Chips and salsa or anything spicy!
*Favorite soda: Addicted to diet coke.
*Favorite dessert/candy: I'm not picky. I eat just about anything that has sugar in it.
*My grandparents are a huge part of my life and without them I wouldn't be who I am today.
*I work in Human Resources, which I really enjoy. The downside: I think I have practically become immune to people's hardships because I hear so many on a daily basis. I'm working on changing my attitude about this.
*I was a nerd in school. I'm not exaggerating. It paid off when I went to college: 4 years of private school completely paid for.
*My major in college was Business, with an emphasis in HR, but I actually went to KWC to be a youth minister and graduated with a minor in Christian Ministries from Kentucky Wesleyan.
*By being married to Eddie, I have become a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan over the past 3 years. Go Cards!
*Favorite music: Hillsong, Bethany Dillon, David Crowder Band, Britt Nicole, Chris Tomlin
*I am working on a daily basis to become more real with people. A good friend told me again tonight we aren't made to keep everything to ourselves. I am striving to be genuine and honest with those who love me so we can truly "do life together."
Ok, that was a little more than a "mini" bio, but it's what is important to me. I'm sure you will learn more as I keep this updated. Praying for warmth and safety for you all on this cold, snowy night.
-Brittney
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