Have you ever used Grooveshark? I've heard about it...knew what it was...etc for a while. But I was a Pandora girl.

So I thought. I decided there were some songs I was craving to hear today, so I signed up for Grooveshark and now have no idea why I stayed on Pandora for so long. I love that you can pick songs you like and just play those.

If I'm feeling kind of mellow, I'll listen to a little Jon McLaughlin, Dave Barnes.  If I'm feeling a little feisty, I'm playing Lady Gaga, Green Day, Britney Spears.  If I'm feeling artsey, Adele, Florence and the Machine, Sara Bareilles.

I love it. I'm very thankful for it today.

Side note: We're not supposed to be streaming music at work...but I do anyway.

:)

Always Be Joyful

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
"Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.  Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other."


I was involved in a meeting for our church and felt some conviction about my lack of dedicated prayer for the leadership of our church and for the "big C" church (meaning the Christian body.)  No one said anything that stirred this, but the reality of what goes into serving and leading any group of people. (Including a group of people striving to be the best Jesus followers they can be, but who often judge and criticize way too often. I'm just as guilty).


While taking a little time today during my lunch, (BTW I ate at my desk today because I had to get some stuff done), I was doing a little reading about leadership. I was led to 1 Thessalonians and read a bit and prayed a bit about the verse above.  Fortunately, I've had many opportunities to be a part of and lead a group.  I oftentimes can recognize good leadership quickly not because I am a good leader myself (I think I have some qualities, but I'm still learning), but because I am intuitive in that way. I can read right through bad leaders who pretend to be good. 


Anyway, I know how much work goes into leading any kind of group. Unfortunately, Christians tend to be some of the most judgmental group to lead. So, I was feeling grateful for our leadership. I prayed for them today and hope they understand the gratitude of mine and hopefully many other hearts.


While reading I stumbled upon the verses below:


1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 23-24
"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.  God will make this happen for who calls you is faithful."


I am so thankful for this truth today. I think some may perceive my post about infertility as a state of ungratefulness or anger at God.  None of that is true.  I simply think my heart is broken.  I feel as though I am not complete because I am called to be a mom. (While I don't think becoming a mom makes me complete, I do believe it fills a portion of your role or purpose if called.)  So it is challenging to be at that place.  I think God has me where he wants me, though. Broken is a good place. Seth Godin, a blogger and many other things, says "Stuck is a state of mind...and it's curable"  Christ is the cure. I know with him, I will be healed. I will have peace.  And there is joy in my heart because of those promises. 


Praise Him.

Smile

"You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face 

and show the world all the love in your heart."

 - Carole King

I have always found that a smile makes me feel better. 

I have been feeling a little down lately. It's primarily the "not good enough" feelings, but I'm pretty sure I can chalk it up to being 'that time'.  You know.

I had been begging Adam to make me a CD of music from his iTunes because he has so much good music on it and I don't have an ipod or iTunes myself.  Nor does my car handle anything of higher technology than a CD, so I wanted some new music...at least new to me. 

One of the CDs he made was an American Idol CD.  It's a bunch of songs that American Idols sang over the last few seasons.  Haley's version of this Carole King song came on and I was like, "Hey! I have all kinds of love in my heart..."  

So it's been my anthem today. I've listened to it at least 24 times.  I'm guessing it's that whole 'self talk' thing that if you tell yourself positive things then you're bound to be more positive! Also the reason for the blog...to be thankful that even in the middle of maybe feeling down or having a bad day...I've been given so many blessings.  A smile is one of them.  

Could you imagine not being able to smile or see others smile? Oooo...that makes me thankful for sight.

Man, I sound ADD today. 

Three blessings for which I'm thankful:

1. The willingness of some people in our church to help put together an open house for a boy in our church family.  It was great to see people serve.

2. Organization - I am thankful for the ability to plan and organize my work day. It relieves a lot of stress to have your day mapped out.

3. My sister.  We don't get to connect all that often, but boy, she's one awesome lady. I'm praying for her and the journey she's on.  I love her to pieces.

Have a great Monday night.