Thursday, November 18, 2010

I "borrowed" The Funk... but its okay!

I was just sitting here this morning contemplating the events of the last couple of days and (honestly) dreading the funeral I am attending today (its for a young woman who is my age), but knowing that I should be there.
Through my tears about the day, I gave myself an attitude check (which I'll explain after) but when I got home I read this blog post by Pete Wilson (http://withoutwax.tv/) which was a good reminder (and a great "boost" that I heard God speak it to me before I got to this article - YEAH!!)
So - what to do with a "FUNK"...

The Funk

Ever have one of those days?
You know those days, when everything goes wrong!
Who hasn’t had one of those days?

I had one the other day. It was the kind of day where I think I would have been better off just staying in bed. The kind of day that makes you wonder if you can do anything right.

Anyway, I was sitting there in the midst of my very bad day and jotted down a few choices I felt I had to shake this funk. So here’s my list. Hope it helps you on your very bad day.

  1. Do something nice for someone else. While I’m not really sure that being selfless for selfish reasons is exactly Biblical, it sure does seem to work.
  2. Tell yourself, “Well, at least I ______________.”  At least, you went to the gym, or played with your kids, or walked the dog, or read your children a story, or recycled, or saved the world from catastrophic disaster. Okay, you probably didn’t do the latter but you get the point.
  3. Go to bed early. I’ve said this before but sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is get some sleep. I’m always amazed how a little extra sleep helps you have a whole new perspective the next morning.   Lamentations3:22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 
  4. Keep a proper perspective. Ask yourself: “Will this matter in a month? In a year?”
  5. Be grateful. Remind yourself that a lousy day isn’t a catastrophic day.  Probably, things could be worse. In fact, I believe most of it can and will be redeemed by God.
 So... my idea to add to all of this - thankfulness. Plain and simple thankfulness...
Like I said, I had God already help me deal with my "funk" in the car before I read this - and His gentle reminder was "Remember what you do have, not what you've lost..." and my heart FILLED with thankfulness.
  • 3 healthy children that I carried to full term (in my pregnancy) and are still healthy today
  • A spouse that is with me, stands by my side, loves me and enjoys every bit of the 15 years that we've spent together
  • That I am healthy and whole and able to walk out the plan that my Father has for my life
  • And that no matter how many trips to the hospital I make (in laws, new babies, friends) God is still God and He cares for us AND His grace is sufficient to help me make every trip.
Psalm 118:29 (The Message)
"You're my God, and I thank you. O my God, I lift high your praise. Thank God—he's so good. His love never quits!"

Monday, November 15, 2010

I'm SO glad He's my strength

"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.
   I've called your name. You're mine.
When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.
   When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you're between a rock and a hard place,
   it won't be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
   The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:"
Isaiah 43:2-4