Going full speed—suddenly STOP

The past few weeks, I've been pushing myself to get the apartment ready for the remodel. Not having a specific date made it hard to know how fast things needed to be done. (Still no specific date, but should hear this week.) As I look at all that has been accomplished, I feel great. There are still items that need to be packed, and some to get rid of...but a lot has been completed.

Today, I had a list of things to accomplish.... but nothing has been crossed off the list. When I got up this morning, my headache was the worst it's been in YEARS—it was migraine level. I started the normal headache treatments (Stim Plus, essential oils, massage, medicine, etc.) but the headache was getting worse, not better. Finally, this afternoon, it started to lessen... still not back to my normal level, but better.

Earlier today, I felt too bad to feel frustrated about not getting my "to do list" completed. But as I started to feel better, I looked at what needs to be done, and just as I started to get frustrated, it hit me—nothing on the list has to be accomplished today. It can all be done tomorrow, or the next day.... or even the next. I was the one who created the list.. so I can be the one to determine when the tasks are completed. 

Since I'm not feeling well enough to do anything physical, I started thinking through the new layout designs for the apartment. I realized that some layout ideas won't work, unless I move additional items, like the printer. Some layouts will require additional wiring for the TV antennae and hard drives. If I didn't take the time to be quiet and think, I might not have considered what each of the layouts would require.

I am a person how usually goes full speed ahead! And when I'm forced to stop.. I usually get frustrated and try to figure out how I can keep going. For some reason, I often view "stopping" as a bad thing. Yet, that is not true. Stopping allows me to review the plan of action and make necessary changes. Stopping gives me time to reflect on all that has been done. Stopping can give me a new perspective. Stopping can lead me in a new and very often, better direction. 

God says "be still.... and know that I am God." Can't I know God when I'm going at full speed? Yes, but when I'm moving at full force, I'm going in my direction and I am not paying attention to God's guidance. Be still. God knows when I am still, He can have my full attention. He can teach me things, which I only can see when I'm still. 

Look at it this way. Next time you are driving down the highway at 70 mph... look out the window and try to notice the scenery. Then at the next traffic jam, when you are stopped, look out the window. See anything different? How much did you miss as you flew past? 

God knows that for us to hear Him and see what He has planned, we need to be still. Only when we STOP, are we open to changing directions, new ideas, or realizing what God is accomplishing. 

Perhaps you can't imagine how today could be a positive day.. there isn't much positive about having a headache. But it's not the headache I'm focusing on... rather, I'm focusing on being still and listening to God. And any day...I stop and listen to God...is a VERY positive day.

First Stage of Remodel

Today, my bathroom cabinet/mirror was updated, along with a light fixture in the kitchen. The first stage of the remodeling. Getting VERY excited to have it all done! Looking forward to the "new place" and rearranging the furniture, and less clutter. 

Old bathroom cabinet/mirror.

Remodel in Progress.

New bathroom cabinet/mirror. (doors closed and open)

Old (left) and new (right) light fixtures in the kitchen. 

Today, creating a positive day could have been very difficult. My headache was extreme, and I was very tired. I had to get up early, get ready, and make sure the bathroom was empty. I knew they were coming to work today....just didn't know when. 

As I was waiting for them to arrive, instead of focusing on the waiting, the mess, or the hassle, I spent time figuring out how to arrange things when the remodel is complete. Looking to the finished product was much more encouraging, then focusing on the "mess in progress." 

The day was much more positive as I looked at how great my home will be when all the work is done. The same can be true of my life in other areas. When God is working on me, the process may be a mess, but the finished product will be great! 

My pain and headache are still high, but I'm able enjoy the process knowing how great it will all look with the project is complete! So, today was a very positive day.... time for me to go clean the bathroom now... and enjoy my new cabinet!

Person or the Job

The other day I said "I appreciate what you do" to someone. As I walked away, it got me thinking. Do I appreciate what they do? Or who they are? There is a difference.

Some people I don't know, so I do appreciate what they do.... but with other people...those whom I've gotten to know...I should appreciate THEM, not JUST what they do. 

If I just appreciate the actions, I can take the person for granted. "But it's their job." That doesn't mean I shouldn't appreciate the person. When I only see the job, the person becomes invisible. The more I try to get to know the people around me, the more I appreciate what they do and who they are. The more I get to know the people around me, my life is enriched. 

For example, I live in an apartment building, so there are many who keep the complex up and running. Living here 16 years, the owners have changed, and so has the staff. But as I get to know the individuals, I appreciate what they do, even more. By taking a few minutes to talk with the person, I learn about their vacations (that sure helps me not complain when something isn't done that week...they are gone!). I learn about the fun things they do, their struggles, and when they get hurt. As I talk with them, I learn to appreciate the person, not just when they complete their job.

If I am only grateful for what people do for me, I can become very selfish. I expect so and so to do "ABC" for me. Rather than thinking of the person doing the job, I think of only what's in it for me. That's not only just wrong... it's being very ungrateful. We all like it when people like our work, but we like it even more when people appreciate US.

I hope as I go about my life, I'll take a moment to SEE the people who do things around me, and get to KNOW each individual. Yes, I'll still appreciate what they do..... but even more WHO they are.

Each day, we meet a variety of people: a deliver person, the clerk at the coffee shop, a co-worker, a garage mechanic, doctors, the list continues. To honestly create a positive day, I must reach out to those people and share a smile and kind word.  At first, it may be about their work..but as I see that person every day, appreciating them....will make the day a very positive one—for both of us!

School's in Session!

On Oct 25, 2000, I was enrolled in school. It was not of my choosing...well it was kind of. The course work is hard and often difficult. No idea when I'll get my degree...or if I'll pass. 

God enrolled me in this school. I'm learning to live my life pleasing to Him (even in chronic pain), and be transformed into God's image. 

The first lesson I had to learn is that God does love me and He can care for me in more ways than I can even imagine. This lesson has many review sessions, as I tend to forget things!
Another lesson has dealt with "time". Either I'm trying to rush God to do something, or I'm jumping ahead of God. But God works in Him time frame for His good. This is one lesson which I've had many examples the past few weeks (just read the last few of my blog posts). 

When God begins a new chapter or new subject which I think I already know... He quickly shows me that I have a lot to learn. Some of the topics are ones I'd rather skip... can't I take that another year..... or never? 

As God teaches me, the lessons vary from easy and fun to difficult and frustrating. When I look back I can see some of the progress God as made. I have learned a great deal about God and about myself. The most important lesson learned is that I am far from graduation. And I'm VERY thankful for a very patient and kind teacher—God. Being a student of God has many blessings. Just when I think I've failed a test, God gives another exam. Or just when I need some encouragement... He provides it.

One of my on going lessons is creating positive days. This is just one way I can focus on God and His goodness. This also helps me keep a balance in my life. Focusing on pain 24/7 is not healthy. God knows the importance of keeping our minds focused on truth.

Creating positive days

is not only exciting.. but fun!

And I'm all for FUN—

even if I'm in school!

Isn't every day special?

Tomorrow is my birthday. I'll be 46-years-old. I've had many well wishes for a "special day". (Thank you for each of them!)

That made me realize

that every day can be special.

Yesterday, the weather was BEAUTIFUL. The sun was shining and the birds were chirping (including Max). As I went about my day, saw my Chiropractor and then enjoyed a lunch at Red Robin, I was greeted with many smiles. It was nice to share smiles and even a few laughs with other customers at Red Robin.

Reflecting back on the day, 

I'd have to say it was a special day. 

Today, is another Spring day. Although a bit cooler, the sun is shining. Several people went out of their way to help me today. A stranger knew I needed boxes, so went out of his way to save them at his place of work. When I arrived at the store, he even brought them out to my car. Another person ran after a box that went flying across the parking lot! Another held open a door. It's amazing how special a day is when others reach out to help (and I let them; but that's another topic). When the tasks at hand were done, we shared some smiles and thanks and went our separate ways each a bit happier. 

So, will Sunday, April 18 be special? Yes, I think.....no.....I KNOW it will be. No matter the weather. No matter what I do. No matter my pain level. No matter the circumstances I find myself.

The day will be special because
I can reflect on God's goodness. 

He has showered me with blessings and just reflecting on them makes any day special.

Creating a positive day, on April 18th, should be easy! However, often on the "planned special days", Satan works over time trying to discourage me. The best way to make the "special days" really special is to make God a BIG part of the day—including watching for those special blessings from God! He has ways of sending blessings which are all to often missed because of my preconceived expectations.

As I enjoy my birthday...MY SPECIAL day....

I want to create habits

to make every day SPECIAL!

And I hope you will join me!