Baby Steps

by neeserisms

Baby Steps

I am learning, definitely have not mastered, but am learning that to accomplish things in my life, to see change, to be a blessing to others, I must be intentional. Wishing, dreaming, praying about something is one thing and Lord knows, I have spent much time doing those things!  Although, the wishing, dreaming and praying is all good, there comes a time in almost all circumstances where action is required on our end.  That’s where things can get tricky!

I have been on a journey the past several months making many changes in my life and I can tell you it’s hard work!!  You ever have the feeling that what you learn along the way may be more important than the actual destination?  I have an inkling that just may be the case 🙂  There are some days, o.k., most days; where I feel overwhelmed by all that needs to be done, the miles still to go and I can spend way too much time attempting to figure out how it’s all gonna work out. Continue reading “Baby Steps” →

Home For Christmas

by neeserisms

I woke up this morning and turned on the news to hear of the senseless and tragic event of the school shooting in Connecticut where conservatively more than 20 precious lives were taken.  While I listen, I think of how scared the children and school staff must have been, the terror that many experienced.  I think of the absolute frantic fear and helplessness that the parents of these little ones were surely feeling.  I think of the chaos of the first responders scrambling to assist and wondering what they will face.  I think of the evil, the devastation, the selfishness, the pain that would cause someone to commit such atrocities.  As I think on these things, my heart feels heavy, life feels a bit overwhelming and ultimately I feel a longing in my heart for Home. Continue reading “Home For Christmas” →

What’s Christmas Really About?

by neeserisms

So, if I were taking a poll about what Christmas is about, I imagine I would receive a variety of answers. Some may say, “it’s about spending time with friends and family”, others may say “giving gifts”, or maybe you’re into Jolly Old Saint Nick?

If you were to ask me, what Christmas is really about?  I would tell you that I love and cherish time with family and friends and I enjoy the shopping and finding that perfect gift to give.  I’m not so much into Jolly Old Saint Nick, but he sounds like fun!  For me Christmas is about the celebration of Christ’s birth.  Without His birth, there wouldn’t have been His death and His resurrection, which ultimately paid the price for my messes. Continue reading “What’s Christmas Really About?” →

I Am Thankful…

by neeserisms

There is a song that I sing quite often as my head hit’s the pillow at night, just before sleep comes (hopefully :-)).  I picked it up somewhere as a child and it’s stuck, it simply states, “Thank you Lord for saving my soul, Thank you Lord for making me whole, Thank you Lord for giving to me thy great salvation so rich and free.”  I without a doubt would say that this chorus captures what I am most thankful for. Continue reading “I Am Thankful…” →

The Least Of These

by neeserisms

My friend asked me a couple of days ago, if I’d accompany her to the Union Gospel Mission this weekend to help out.   I hesitantly said, “yes” and to be real about it, my heart is not prone to this kind of service.  It’s way outside of my comfort zone and a matter of fact it freaks me out a bit! But, because I love my friend, I agreed and off we went this morning, not knowing at all what I was about to get myself into or how far outside my box I would be required to step??

When we arrived and got the run down, we learned we’d be cooking, serving a warm breakfast and then those who came for a meal would have an opportunity to hear the Word of God.  So, I put my hands to work and got to cookin’.  I was in charge of baking some blueberry muffins and cooking the sausage 🙂  I thought to myself, this I can do! Continue reading “The Least Of These” →

Learning to Dream Again

by neeserisms

What did you dream about when you were a child?  We all have dreams, something we spend time thinking about, hoping for, praying for, planning for (at least if you’re a planner like me).  I used to dream, hope, pray and plan a lot…but as the years rolled by, I started to dream a little less, felt like my odds were dwindling with each passing day.  Anyone can stay hopeful for a time, but when you feel like others have passed you by and your still sitting there hoping, dreaming, praying and planning, it starts to get a little discouraging.  So you talk to yourself, “hang in there”, “keep believing”, “keep doing what you know to do”…and all you hear are crickets. Continue reading “Learning to Dream Again” →

Encourage Yourself!

by neeserisms

I consider myself a fairly encouraging person. I can see the good in others and like to let them know.  I can also see what someone might be struggling with and I like to be able to speak to their potential and remind them that even though they may not be there (wherever “there” may be) that they will get there! I enjoy being a cheerleader, however, I’ve discovered I’m not so good at waving the pom poms in my own direction.  Do any of you suffer from this same oddity?  You “rah, rah, rah!” for others in your life and then “boo” the home team? Continue reading “Encourage Yourself!” →

Is Your Maturity Showing?

by neeserisms

I’m sure you have all seen a little one, throwing a major fit, maybe some of you parents have wee ones who are testing you with these episodes currently.  I’m talking all out whining, crying, kicking and screaming, maybe thrashing around on the floor a bit for maximum effect. Cute, isn’t it? Not!

Or how about the child whose motto is, “never let them see you sweat”.  No matter, what the parent may say or do they are the immovable rock.   I think we call this one, “the strong-willed child”.   I don’t care if you ground me, spank me, take my very life away, I shall not be moved! Fun, huh?  Not so much. Continue reading “Is Your Maturity Showing?” →

Amazing Grace

by neeserisms

“Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost but now I’m found was blind but now I see…”.  These well-known and loved hymn lyrics quickly come to mind when I think of the word G-R-A-C-E.  I also think of my great Aunt whose name is Grace, I always remember as a child thinking what a pretty name that was.  I think I was onto something there, Grace is a beautiful thing…God’s grace for me, in demonstrating his love & forgiveness to me when I didn’t & don’t deserve it.  Yet He gives it freely, He has been soooo very gracious to me. Continue reading “Amazing Grace” →

Life Is Hard

by neeserisms

I am not sure when or where the false hood started for me? Somewhere along the line, I bought into the idea that life is about being happy. You grow up and achieve, what you want to achieve, whatever that may be for you…Get married, buy a house, have a family, work hard, play hard, love your family, surround yourself with great friends, be good to others and Walaa, happy life! …Then reality hits! Continue reading “Life Is Hard” →