Friday, May 31, 2013

Changes

This blog used to be called Life....After Death of a Brother, since that was the genesis of the blog - death was the beginning (do you see the irony in that?)  It was an outlet for grief and all that it entails. Over time I realized that I was not grieving anymore, but I still needed to write.

I try to write from a positive perspective; to be an encourager. If one sees death in the title, encouragement may not automatically come to mind. I also noticed that many of the things I write or wish to write would fall under things I wish or have shared with my children.

So, once more I have moved on.  The new name of the blog is LifeNotes. I will continue to write about spiritual things since I aspire to be a devotional writer, but I will also write about other things that are happening with me or cross my mind.



I hope you stick around, keep reading and follow - I would really love to have more followers. You can follow via Networkedblogs or Google Friend Connect.




Sunday, May 19, 2013

Graduation Sunday Morning Musings

No matter which coast I'm on, I always seem to wake up early.
  • Today, is our second child's graduation from college. Moments like these are joyous and sad. Joyous because it's an achievement for her and for us; she did the hard work of completing the course work, staying the course, overcoming hurdles and keeping the end goal in sight. We were on the sidelines providing support in all forms and sometimes that seemed just as hard.
  • Children are a blessing, but what our children are dealing with nowadays sometimes baffles my brain. They are called the Me Generation, which is described in this article. They are more self assured in their early 20s than I was at that age. They know what they want, and go after it. To us older folks this can come across as selfish, being entitled or being well grounded.
  • Raising children with morals, values and principles, or as I like to call it Biblically, never goes out of style. But as a parent - you feel more battle weary. That's the devil trying to wear you down and he will use anything to do so even those closest to you.
  • When you feel battle weary - take time to replenish. Replenish yourself so that you can be stronger in your relationships.
  • I replenish by being up early and communing with God - sometimes I don't know what I'm saying but just to sit still with a cup of tea, God's Word and an expectant heart is sometimes miraculous.
  • I also replenish by shoe shopping!
  • I'm prepared for the celebration of another milestone; I'm sure I'll shed a tear or two and my husband and I will look at each other with a nod and that knowing look. We're getting it done with God's help.
  • There's a bigger message than achievement and that is, God is in control in every facet of life and this is who we rely on. Without Him today would not be possible. I hope this message is not lost on the Me Generation.


How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. Psalm 119:9


I'll be back with pictures.




Sunday, May 12, 2013

Badges of Honor

As a little girl, I was a Brownie. Part of being a Brownie is that you earn badges for doing things that are considered important. It's been a while, but I remember the pleasure of earning the badge (not what I did to earn the badge).

As mothers we have our own badges, such as:
  • Stretch marks
  • Varicose veins
  • Sagging breasts
  • Wider hips
  • Bigger Legs
  • A different shoe size
  • Different complexion 
  • Longer hair then shorter thinning hair



These are the physical things, that we sometimes wish to change because our bodies have gone through childbirth. In our current world, it's so easy to buy in to the myth that something is wrong and we need to have perfect bodies.

I choose to view the physical bodily changes as badges of honor - I've earned them through becoming a mother. I never had stretch marks until after giving birth; I was spared varicose veins, but others weren't; the body changes overall even if you are petite.

To bring a child in to this world is to participate in a miracle. Cut yourself some slack. Take care of yourself and enjoy the person that you have become.

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is his reward. (Psalm 127: 3)
Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God. (Job 37: 14)

Do you have badges of honor? Do you wear them proudly?


Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Notes From My Daughter - Racial Obstacles at College

I had every intention of writing another post, but my daughter shared the following with me.

Please take a moment - 10 mins and watch the embedded video, which speaks volumes.

This is what the Black Students at USC are dealing with right now.  It has been ongoing, but the situation came to a head this past weekend, at the end of a party to celebrate the end of classes.


"This footage takes place blocks away from the original venue. At almost 6 minutes into the video you see footage of a girl being tased multiple times while on the ground screaming for them to stop. You can also see my friend being arrested, he has a fractured wrist. Another person I just found out has a personal account of being beaten by a cop. Witnesses from both parties claim they heard people at Nate's party being called niggers among other things.
Please pray for us all, it's been difficult to study in this atmosphere, especially as many of us know the victims personally. I love you and I'll see you soon."
Here's the link in case you can't start the video -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN-Sz6NKGyI


Will you pray? I'd greatly appreciate it. Please take a moment and leave a comment also.

If you have connections with people that can make a difference, please share this with them also.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Finish Strong

Any time that I run, whether its 3 miles or 5 miles, for the last half mile or so, no matter how bad I'm feeling I push myself to finish strong - use my arms, take purposeful strides, run faster and look ahead to the finish line.

My little one currently does club track and field. She is still unsure of her events and has been experimenting with the 400 (one lap).  I'm always at the back of the field as she rounds in to the final straight away yelling, "finish strong, use your arms, move!"

I'm originally from the East coast, so I watch the Penn Relays since I can no longer go. The college women's 4x800 had a spectacular finish this year. Villanova won, but coming down the home stretch their anchor leg was in 2nd. There was literally a point where she just pushed herself - her form may have been a tad compromised, but she pushed hard and passed the 1st place runner and won. She saw in her mind's eye that she could push pass the pain.  That's how you finish strong.


There are many examples of finishing strong in the Bible - many did not start well but they were able to finish strong.  Jacob - was a deceiver who tricked Esau out of his birthright, was tricked by his future father in law, had 2 wives and loved one more than the other.  Rachel ultimately bore him Joseph and Benjamin but died in childbirth with Benjamin. Jacob loved Joseph and displayed his favoritism.  His other sons sold Joseph in to slavery and Jacob was heartbroken. On his way to reconcile with Esau, Jacob wrestled with God at Peniel and his name was changed to Israel - which means he struggled with God.  Jacob struggled with God his whole life but after Peniel he was changed: he walked with a limp and he learned to depend on God more. God had blessed Jacob in Bethel and promised him that he would be a great nation before he met Laban, so Jacob knew God. So much had happened that Jacob never thought he would see Joseph again, but God gave him a new revelation prior to being reunited with Joseph.  In Genesis 46:4  God told Jacob not to be afraid, that He will go with him to Egypt, that he will see his son, and that he will be a father of many nations. And it came to pass.

Consider the trajectory of Jacob's life; Jacob knew God, yet he didn't always obey but God in His sovereignty God never gave up on Jacob. Jacob was blessed in his old age, he saw his son, his sons and grandsons became leaders of the 12 tribes of Israel and he was buried with his people. Finishing strong requires seeing things differently - a new revelation. You are tired, you've made mistakes, you have regrets, but you know God is with you as you've made a commitment to him. You're not too damaged, God can still use you just as he did Jacob and He does not renege on His promises.

I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.” Gen 46:3-4
Finish strong.

What do you hope will be the outcome of your life? Have you received a new revelation?