A Mental Health Day

So, here I sit on a Tuesday morning.
Sipping coffee.
Lounging with dogs.
Reading.
Writing.
Praying.
Listening.

I've given myself one more day.
One extra day to just breathe.
One day to soak in the quiet, before I have to get back to life.
One day to BE.

I felt like I've been quiet.
Sorta...
On the subjects of politics and faith.
I felt like I just wanted to get something off my chest.

I think death does that.
As you grieve, you ponder, you think. You realize you have things that you want to say.

So today, on this mental health day, I'm gonna say it!

I'm allowed to have my strong opinions.
Just as you are allowed to have yours.
Let me start by clarifying a few things...
I'm NOT a Hillary supporter.
I D0 support our law enforcement officers as well as any person in the military.

I support the right to stand up for what you believe in.
I believe too many have fought and died for that right whether I agree with the stance or not.

I'm not spineless or stupid.
I am however offended.
Before I lose you, at least read me out.
I'm okay to agree to disagree, just read my perspective.

I really do not like the fact that Donald Trump is one of two major candidates for presidency.
He offends me.
Just using that word offends people.
Some of you may stop reading simply because of my choice of diction.
It takes a lot for me to be offended. He crossed the threshold many moons ago.
To be very honest, I'm saddened he doesn't offend more people.
So, today, I'm going to speak my mind as he has for so long, but I am doing my best to do it with all the respect I can muster.

Since when is it okay to talk to or about women or people for that matter, the way he does?
I want better.
I want better for my daughter and my son.
I want better for my nieces and nephew.
I want better for all the little people in my classrooms.

Call me crazy, but when the two people we have to choose from, to become our commander in chief come down to this...
Well, Jesus must be coming sooner than we want to realize!

To speak with such disdain for people of our human race, well, it makes me sad.
It makes me sad that my fellow brothers and sisters condone it, support it and tell me how small minded I am for not giving it a thumbs up.

You go ahead.
I simply can not.
I will not.

As a voter, I'm all over the place.
That's why I'm an Independent.
I don't back parties.
I support who I align with most.
I say most because I'm never 100% behind anyone.

I realize many, maybe most of you who take the time to read this disagree with me.
I'm okay with disagreeing.
I'm still Denise.
You're still you.
We can still be friends.
We can still respect each other.

That is what makes the USA beautiful to me.
I love the "idea" of a melting pot of people of all different cultures and thoughts living under one umbrella of mutual love and respect.
However, some do not choose to live under the umbrella of respect and love.
They say they do.
They will facebook and tweet they do.
Their actions simply show otherwise.

Thank goodness my hope, my trust, and my allegiance goes beyond the red, white and blue!
No matter who becomes the next President of the United States, Jesus IS still on the throne!
His love and respect for people never changes.
His words and actions prove it.
His grace covers over me, covers over Mr. Trump, and covers over Mrs. Clinton and the rest of the world!

I teach my children to do the right thing, simply because it is the right thing.
I do my best to do the right thing, simply because it is the right thing.
It's called character.
It's called integrity.
I'm not questioning yours.
That's for you to investigate.

The character and integrity of Jesus Christ may be questioned, it may be investigated, but you'll always find the same reports.
Jesus is King.
His word is truth.
His promises do not fail.

I'm not asking you to change your vote.
I'm not asking you to feel all the feels.
I'm simply trying to share my thoughts, no matter how significant or insignificant you think they may be.

The commander in chief doesn't offer salvation.
The office is incredibly important to the world, but it's not for eternity.

Though I'm sad these are our choices for the next four years, we still have an eternal choice.

Have you thought about that choice as much?
Have you questioned it or investigated it?
Have you talked about it?

If you haven't, let me encourage you to.

Politics and "Religion" in one post, oh my!
My words, Donald Trumps words in all honesty, don't amount to a hill of beans. (as Betty would say)
But the words of Lord...now those are words to chew on, question and investigate.


Isaiah 40:8
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. (ESV)

Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (ESV)

a legacy

Today...
we remembered that clear September morning 15 years ago.
We could recall where we were and the waves of emotions as we watched the destruction right before our eyes. We remembered the courage of the first responders, the strength of the ground zero workers and the resilience of our country. Today we remembered those who were lost, those who served and those left to grieve.

Thoughts of mourning were juxtaposed with thoughts of joy today.

Today...
I witnessed a man being set apart for full time ministry. God called him to Pastor. He left a career he loved to follow and obey.

God didn't just call that man today.

Today I was reminded of who I am in Christ. As a daughter of the Most High King, I too have been called!
I was encouraged.
I was challenged.
I was charged.

Where can I serve?
Who can I serve?
How can I serve?

I have a legacy!
I was Bill and Betty's fourth daughter. I grew up being challenged and encouraged by two of God's finest servants.
I used to think that was my legacy, carrying on the family traditions, serving others as Mom and Dad did. However, it goes way deeper than that.

I'm  a child of God. I'm a joint heir with Jesus. I'm a saint. I have a legacy!
He is my legacy.

I think of the legacy left from 9-11.
We are stronger.
We are challenged.
We are charged.

I think of the legacy I have!
I am stronger.
I am challenged.
I am charged.

I think of the legacy you have.
You DO have a legacy.
What will you do with it?

Wow! It's been a while.
I've missed writing.
Here we go... 4 years later...

In a couple days I'll start another school year.
I teach littles, like really little people!
It is a lot of fun, can be pretty messy, full of laughter, sometimes tears, extremely rewarding, but very challenging as well.
I have been reading and praying a lot to prepare my heart for what lies ahead.

This week after reading a chapter in John Bevere's Drawing Near, I found myself totally undone.
His words hit me. They hit me so hard, I was face down, humbled, doing the ugly cry while my dogs stood over me, wondering why I was such a mess.

After I recovered, I found myself just saying the name Jesus throughout the day. I said it out loud. I said it in my car. I said it in the grocery. I said it preparing dinner. I said it the next day. His name was on my lips. His name just came out. His name brought peace.

"Your praise will ever be on my lips"

The next day my heart was heavy.
As I prayed for a multitude of things, I quieted my wondering thoughts and again returned to simply speak the name... Jesus. 
By just saying His name I allowed the weight of His fullness to cover me.
I began to speak all that He is.

Jesus...
Messiah
King of Kings
Mighty One

Jesus...
Lord of Lords
Alpha and Omega
Redeemer

Jesus...
Prince of Peace
The Good Shepherd
Emmanuel

Jesus...
Jehovah
Healer
Deliverer

Jesus...
Holy One
Light of the World
Word of God

and so much more...

Who is He to you?

Let me encourage you.
Trust me when I say I've lived through a lot of valleys.
My life hasn't always been rainbows and ice cream sundaes.
I've grieved, I've hurt, I've been weary.

BUT GOD...

has been faithful.
has provided.
has opened, softened and molded my heart.
has taught me perseverance.
has shown me what I'm made of.
continues to teach me.

He has done it for me.
He will do it for you.
He loves you weary one.
He loves you grieving one.
He loves you doubtful one.
He loves you hardened one.

Will you allow His love to heal you?
Will you trust Him?

Let His fullness cover you today.
Just speak His name... Jesus.
Quiet your wondering thoughts and give Him your heart.

I dare you! ;)

too long...

Yep, it's been way too long since I last posted something! In fact, it's been so long, i honestly forgot my password. So, because of that, I'm just going to try to type what I'm thinking and not over think, over analyze, reread ten times  and worry about how someone might take this or how idiotic I might sound. "Here goes something."
If ever I felt like this world is not my home, today is it. Without going into the details about what my family has been through in the past 15 months, trust me when I say I...we are in a season of redo's. Well, today I got up, had some coffee, watched some news, and made a grocery list. This morning I was going to knock out the shopping, followed by taking the kids to the movies this afternoon. Feeling quite lovely about being on the ball and right on schedule, I get into my truck to do the shopping, only for it to not even remotely roll over. So, in most cases this isn't a big deal, especially when my only priorities are grocery shopping and a movie. However, today this redo felt different, a feeling I didn't much like.

First thought...crappo!! Really?? OK, let's hope it's just the battery!
Second thought... who do I call? (My husband is out of town for work.) This really shouldn't be too difficult, but today it was. So many people are gone for spring break, but honestly that wasn't the issue. The issue was, WHO do I call? I live in a town that doesn't feel like home. I go to church in a town that is not my home. I live in a home that is not my home. Confused yet??
Third thought...this world is not my home. I will be disconnected and homeless until I get HOME.

It was the last thought that was a little unsettling. Maybe I should have found it to be encouraging. Thank God this "home" is just a blink in eternity's eye!

I still don't know if it's just the battery and we will get to see the movie tomorrow. However, on this day of redo's or plan B's or whatever you wish to call it, I can sit in this chair that is not mine and know without a doubt, what is mine. I am promised a home where I know I will belong, where I will live in peace, I will have complete joy, and I will never fear!!! Oh what a glorious day that will be...



(Thank you to those who were so willing to help today...you know who you are!)

three for thursday (since i missed tuesday)...

tunes tuesday...

This song became a theme song of mine in January. I find it very cool that God placed such an incredible song in my heart. Only He knew I'd need these lyrics in the months to follow.

This is a favorite from our days at the Vineyard in Cincy! Again, incredible lyrics to minister to a wounded soul!! (Or any soul for that matter!! :)

1. 

 

 

 

2, 4, 6, 8, who do we appreciate...

Is the title a little corny...yep! However, this month is pastor appreciation month.  Tomorrow is the last Sunday in the month of October!!!  Some of you have never heard of this special time. Well, let me encourage you, to show some encouragement and appreciation toward your shepherd(s).

Only pastors and their wives know how much time, effort and love go into their jobs. No one, unless you've worn this hat, knows all the battles being fought behind the scenes, the time taken away from family, the sleepless nights, the aching hearts, and more often lonely place of a pastor.

All too often, they hear all our gripes and complaints, but not too many "atta boys"!! All too often people feel free to unload their disappointments in them, but never return with a simple thank you! All too often they are placed on a pedestal, then when they are human and don't quite measure up, fall very hard in the eyes of others.

I find it sad that there has to be a special month set aside to show someone you appreciate them. However, without it, well...it just wouldn't happen as much as it should. So, if you didn't know, you do now. If you haven't yet, don't wait another day. Not sure what to do...here are a few suggestions...send them a gift card, buy them coffee, make them cookies, have them over for dinner,   write them an encouraging note, give them a pat on the back and thank them for all they do and pray for them and their families!!

While, I'm at it, don't just think of your senior pastor or teaching pastor. If you have multiple guys and gals working in leadership, it takes them all to keep your ship afloat. Just because they might not be up front all the time doesn't mean they don't work just as hard. Remember them too!

Oh heck, might as well keep going...I sincerely think there should be a pastor's wife appreciation month as well. No one knows but them all that their husband's carry. Most often the wives carry it too...but continue to smile and love the person who just ripped her husband a new one for not doing something the way they would've done it!!! This too, can be a very lonely place. Give her a hug and thank her too!!

So, if you haven't already, just show some appreciation! I promise it won't hurt! :)