Mirror Mirror on the Wall..

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought that you weren't sure if you liked what you saw or even knew what you saw looking back at you?  And no, I am not not talking about that huge zit on your forehead saying 'Surprise! I found you!' for the whole world to see. Truthfully, it was years before I could honestly look at myself in the mirror and say, "Hey - I know you!" and have the confidence of knowing that I knew exactly who that reflection belonged to and being proud that it was ME. So much of the outside world comes in and corrupts our thoughts and minds about who we are and what we look like on the inside out. It shouldn't have to be that way. It really doesn't. Some would say, 'a strong woman wouldn't have that problem'.  OH Puulleeasse! Gag me. Since when is it up to a female to be strong. Girls, yes, we are a strong species.... we have a protective and nurturing nature about us when it comes to our families and what we value. However, our hearts are lovely, beautiful, tender and long for intimacy and adventure.

It is not up to the world, per say, to define our reflection in the mirror. It is what we allow to define our hearts and our minds. Does this surprise you? It shouldn't. The voices we allow ourselves to hear say, 'Try harder', so we bury our hearts and try to get on with life. Yet, that's not the wise thing to do, scriptures tell us that the heart is central.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for is the wellspring of life"  Proverbs 4:23

Your heart is the core of who you are. Your heart as a woman is the most important thing about you. It is what defines your femininity - truly.  Today, as you are folding a load of laundry or doing the dishes... take a moment to ponder on what is in the inner most part of heart. What are your dreams or deepest desires? What makes you shine and radiate beauty? Do not be afraid to take a moment for YOU. You are worth every moment of every day and you are of tremendous value to the world. Without you, the world around you would not be the same.

“You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. -1 Peter 3:4

It's happened...

Well well well. Today I have the case of writer's block. I sit here at my computer thinking, 'what the helk am I going to write about today????' Usually, I have something running through my heart before I even sit down to the computer... and it usually just comes pouring out. But today, all I can think about is the rain, the crazy weird dreams I was having last night (and NO... I am NOT prego.. in case some of you were wondering), and well, gosh, I haven't had lunch yet so what am I gonna have? But doesn't it ever make you wonder if our minds as women will have have a moment to just 'stop'? As if we'll ever take the moment that sits right in from of us to just -stop thinking-??  Ummmm..... not in this lifetime!  HA! Isn't it true though? We're known for our multi-tasking skills and how we somehow manage to balance the whole world on our shoulders.
Even so, we have so many balls that we are managing in the air, if just one person tried to catch one of those balls - - our whole world would crumble into little eetsy beetsy pieces. It would wouldn't it...  that's just how we are. Yet, in the midst of that, our hearts are longing to just be held and told that it's all going to be ok. That no matter what life seems to throw at us faster than a speeding bullet, it's really going to be alright.

You see, that's what we want to hear. That's what we need to know. Our hearts were made to love and to nurture. Our minds do not slow down to hear the 'it's ok', our minds are racing to BE the it's ok. But do you want to know what's so great about how our hearts and minds operate? We were created to be like that. We were!  We possess a heart that just overflows with the need to pour out love and to nurture, yet, we also need it. We were created to love and be loved. To be beautiful and reveal beauty. God gave us the ability to show love yet need His love. His love is what provides everlasting fullfillment in who we are and what purpose we were created for. He is what makes it all 'ok' in our lives regardless of what is being thrown at us. As he promises, 'cast your cares upon the Lord and he will bring you rest'. 

When you need a moment to let your busy mind to wander, let Him have your cares and your heart. Allow him to renew your mind and your heart. Without a renewed heart and mind, it can be difficult to focus on the woman you were meant to be. You are a vision, you really are. Show the world who you are with a clear heart and mind and then watch how you change the world around you. Put on one of your favorite outfits, try on a new lipstick or that nail polish! Now, put on that gorgous smile before you step out your front door... your best day yet is on the horizon.

Calling all women!

What do you see when you look into the eyes of a child? Really... There is something truly magnificent about looking into the eyes of a child and knowing that our creater had a breathtaking image in mind. HIS image. In fact I look into the eyes of my son and I am constantly reminded of how perfect and pure he is regardless of how much drool he has surrounding his mouth and how his nose is full of snot. Just because he's teething and has every possible fluid exploding out of him, he's perfect in every way. He doesn't know any better. And then when he catches my eye with that four-toothed smile.... it makes my heart melt. God is good.

This innocence and pure heart is exactly what God intended for us as we walk our lives with him. Every child is born with this kind of heart and it is this heart and purity that God desires for us and his children as well. Scripture is chalk full of examples of how he wishes for us to have the 'heart of a child' when it comes to our faith and our desire for the things of God.
"Let the children come to me. For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."  Mark 10:14
Jesus wanted us to know that the faith of a child is highly desirable to God because their hearts and minds have not been corrupted by the mind of the world but completely pure with love for Christ. This is the very heart that God desires of us. To love him and put our faith in him without hesitancy or restraint.

As Mother's Day was just yesterday, I'm sure many women were celebrated for their nuturing and loving hearts. If you are a mother or about to be a mother, take a moment to look into your child's eyes or even imagine looking into your child's eyes... their eyes are full of love - for you. Purely and innocently. Even if they are older and don't always feel like they looovvveee you..... rest assured Mom, in their heart of hearts - they love you. A LOT.  As does Jesus Christ. More than you know.

So, ladies, as you read this.... you are remarkable. As a woman, a wife, fiance, girlfriend, friend, daughter, sister, grandmother, and yes... mother. Keep shining because you are loved!

Ever wondered what would happen if you were able to be a fly on the wall in your school, in your place of work or even in your own home? First of all, knowing me and my clumsiness, I wouldn't even last on the wall! HA! Oh wait, did I say that out loud? Anywho... back on track here. I've had moments where I often wonder this. I guess it comes from watching that all too famous movie that I watch every Christmas - It's a Wonderful Life. Ever seen it? Ahh!! It gets me everytime I watch it. You've gotta see it, just once... for me.

It's about a man named George Bailey who takes over his father's financial business when he passes away. Well, there's a money-hungry banker in town who's always had his greedy eyes on George's bank. When George winds up in business trouble thanks to his Uncle, he's at a complete and desperate loss. He jumps off a bridge only to be rescued by his guardian angel, Clarence.  Clarence takes him through a journey that walks him through his lifetime where he doesn't even exist! How different things were without his existance... now, he winds up praying to God at the end saying he wants his life back because he didn't like seeing where his town and family was without him.

Now, the cool thing about this movie was that George got an unusual gift - he was able to witness what the world around him was like without his presence there. It was not so great... it showed him that he definately had a place in his society and in the lives of the people around him. At the end of the movie, it was Christmas Eve and his lovely wife, Mary, went and gathered people from the community that George had helped over the years with the building and loan company that he ran. As he sat in his living room with his wife and children.... the people came pouring in - with money - to help him keep his business and family afloat. And each and every one of those people had wonderful things to say to him as they walked in to bless him! The funnest part - his angel, Clarence, finally got his wings!

What impact do you make on the people around you - whether you know them or not? If you were a fly on the wall, what would they say about you? Would your world be dramatically different if you did not exist? What kind of legacy do you leave? I have to ask myself the same questions... however, I challenge you to truly take a closer look at what image you are portraying to your significant other, your children, your family, friends, co-workers/employer, even strangers. Your actions, your language, even your thoughts. Tricky, isn't it? Even the littlest things make a huge difference! God calls us to purity and holiness... to be a direct reflection of his heart toward his children. As women, we have a unique opportunity to reflect that in such a beautiful and dignified way... so shine on, ladies, shine on!!

Bonus: HILARIOUS!

This is an insert from 'dooce.com':


Observations on in-laws

Me: I thought you understood going into this that we're a glass half empty kind of family.


Jon. No, no, no, no, no.

Me: Why are you shaking your head like that?

Jon: Because I did think you guys were glass half empty people, when in reality all of you are THE GLASS IS TOTALLY EMPTY people.

Me: I see your point, but when the glass really is empty we aren't disappointed. We're like, see? We like to be right.

Jon: And then the longer I know all of you I realize that if you even talk about the glass, the glass will explode.

Me: Which is why I'm protectively covering my head while having this conversation with you.

Quiet please!!

As I sit in my quiet living room to eat my breakfast... I smile. This is nice. It makes me appreciate the moments that I get like this when the babe is resting peacefully without a battle (yea!!) and I get a little bit of down time to relax and enjoy the peace of knowing that yes, I am capable of being a good mom and feeling confident in that. Even more... feeling confident in my womanhood. Does that sound weird? 'Womanhood'?  It shouldn't. We women do a lot in our daily lives. That's not to say, "I am woman, hear me roar!!". No, not at all. But what I am saying is, take pride and blessing in being a woman and possessing a feminine heart.
I used to think before I even became pregnant that I could possibly lose myself in motherhood and being a wife. That I would drown in the responsibilites of everything that suggested and forget what made me - ME.
The truth of the matter is that whether you are a mother or not, celebrate who you are as an individual, your character, personality, your talents and gifts, your nurturing heart, your passions, even your quirks. Yes, I know you have some of those, too, so don't kid yourself.  ;)

So, based on that, when I was pregnant with my son I made a purposeful effort to allow myself to enjoy who I was - even with prego brain! But now that I have these moments to reflect and relish my time like this, I appreciate those efforts even more. Yet, maybe you don't think you have any traits or gifts about yourself to enjoy... you sure do! You might just have to take a few moments to allow yourself to think about what your heart truly finds joy in. Maybe they are things that are a little more unorthodox or uncommon - which is completely wonderful, too. That's what makes you incredibly amazing! God did not make mistakes when he created you. Scripture states that you are fearfully and wonderfully made - really!!

Take a few moments and revel at YOU. Write a list if you need to and hang it on the refrigerator or on your mirror so that you see it and see it often. It will remind you daily of how fantastic and fabulous you are.

Much Love, mel

Stubborn as a mule

I sometimes wonder if payback is really as cracked up to be as they say it is.... cause if it is, I'm in for a real dousey! (wince) As I'm what feels like constantly struggling to put my son down for a nap, it occurs to me (funny how I get this right around Mother's Day) that as my son is less than a peach with going to sleep during daylight hours, I was about as sour as a bad apple to my own mother as a kid. My, God must  have some serious hindsight for me. As I'm trying to train my son that 'night-night' means GO TO SLEEP, I'm recollecting the conversation my mother and I had on the phone not too recently where she said, "you might just have to pray for patience".  That in my mind is a recipe for disaster! Why? You might ask... it has been known from many a conversation I have had with believers and non-believers in Christ that I've known that when one asks God for patience.... it is tested to the BRINK!  as I chuckle... is it really something I need to be tested with? Can't God just grant me patience when I need it? Gosh, why do things always have to be so difficult? I've always had to learn things the hard way it seems. And no.. this is not me having a pity party or just complaining. This is me saying, 'hey - wake up and smell the roses!'  - - - to myself.

Honestly, everything comes with a lesson in life. My son, is that lesson. Where's the significance here? Well, I'll tell you.  :)   Even though at the very moment I am listening to the baby monitor waiting for my son to quit wailing for me to come and get him but rather for him to get tired of waiting and just lie back down and go to sleep.... I am thinking of patience and how I keep telling myself to not go to the place of frustration.... again. God is whispering to me to continue to love that little boy and that patience comes with persistance. He's also telling me that I am the very mother that that little monkey in there needs and that God created me just for him and vise versa. Never mind his stubborn as a mule personna. Scripture says to 'Train a child as they should go and they will not wander.' So, with scripture in my heart and on my tongue, and love as my guidance I will be the mother that God has made me to be and train my child in the way he should go.

What does God say to you about your weaknesses? No matter where you are in your life, your weakness if overcome do not break you but make you.... that is if you give them to God to mold for his likeness. I challenge you to take your weaknesses by the horns and channel them to positiveness. Change your world and change your life.

With Love, mel