I've Changed My Mind

Over the past year, well, really two years, I've been under going a caterpillar like transformation.

I've become an adult. Like, a real one. Having children, buying a house, being married-the whole package. Um, reverse that order.

I've also learned that I've got incredible power and strength. I've found out that I'm an amazing person. I'm not saying this to sound arrogant or proud, I'm saying this because it's true of all of us!

I noticed during the beginning parts of being a mom, when all those sleepless nights seemed to drag on for weeks, months and even years, that I just kind of was lost.

I felt at times, I wanted to be joyful, but found myself being hateful and jealous instead.

I would see photos of other people on family vacations on Facebook, and as much as I wanted to be happy for them, I just sat there and was just so jealous!

Jealous is an evil thing. No good comes from it. I am a big runner, so let me put this analogy into a form that I can relate.

When I found myself in jealous feelings and thought, I realized that, for me, it was like running circles around a track. The two mile, or even the one mile run around the track, just kind of sucked for me. 

The two mile was always the first even at our track meets. This event always seemed to be the one no one cared about, and honestly, I always kind of felt like someone was just kind of laughing at me as I would pass them and do laps.

Just like a track, running circles in a hamster wheel gets you no where.

Jealous is a lot like that-you keep circling around and around and around. You keep seeing the same things and keep feeling the same things and it never gets better. You're in the unloved event. Sometimes it seems like it's the most pointless two miles ever. 

Every once in a while, you'd have a friend try and cheer you on for a few laps, but they never really stayed for the whole course. I can't say I blame them. It gets old.

So does feeling and thinking jealously.

I've learned on those days, when I was running around the jealousy track, that Bitterness and Hate would always show up to be my only cheerleaders. The Enemy at his finest. You know, when that's who you have cheering you on, you find that you will run yourself into the ground. When you cross the finish line and turn back to look at them, they're both just standing there clapping their hands, laughing at you. See it doesn't bother Bitterness or Hate. In fact, they loved it! They knew the longer you circled around that track and them, the worse off you'd feel when you finally stopped, and they knew exactly how you'd affect everyone else in your life because of it.

They're really sneaky. 

I was absolutely tired of letting something so small and insignificant steal my joy. Besides, there will always be someone who has a "nicer" house, "better" car, "more talent," and so on and so forth.

Besides stealing my joy about life, I noticed that I was poisoning my relationships around me. I wasn't being thankful for the amazing job my God does at providing for us. I wasn't thankful to husband for all his hard work, that he does every day.

I needed to start transforming my mind! I found Dr. Caroline Leaf's program-The 21 Day Brain Detox. Wow! I watched this video on her first, and I was just floored. She explains amazing scientific discoveries in a very simple way!

The toxic thoughts we have in our brains, like jealousy, hate and all the rest of the negative junk, affect our brains AND bodies in a negative way! But, we as amazing, God created beings, can actually change the way we think!! We are not victims about how our brain thinks, WE CONTROL OUR BRAINS! Not the other way around.

I thought, "This is exactly what I need!" I started this program two months ago and I have absolutely noticed a huge difference!

I have been able to completely kill of those thoughts of jealousy. I have noticed that I am so much happier for EVERYONE! Including myself.

I can see people that get a new home and think, "That's just so awesome for them! They totally needed it!"

Someone else gets a new job I can easily say, "I'm so thankful that God blessed them and they have something so wonderful!" And most importantly, I sincerely mean all of those things. I can say it with a heart filled smile. It isn't generic. It is genuine.

Day by day, with her program I totally started to see myself killing all these nasty things.

Again, using a running analogy, I ran cross country as well. With feelings and thoughts of Jealousy, it was like running two miles around a circle track. You never went anywhere. You just finished and felt tired and exhausted and just "Eh."

But, after starting and finishing this program, I noticed that it was a lot like a cross country race. I may have run two miles, but I got to see so many cool things along the way. 

Beautiful possibilities of countryside.

Sometimes, when I was running, I would find myself so amazed at the landscape that it was hard not to be drawn to the beauty of the countryside. Or laugh at a cow that you'd just passed by!

In cross country races you'd find yourself running up and downhills, around buildings, going here there every where! Kind of like a Dr. Seuss book. I remembered when I finished the race I had such a sense of accomplishment and it was always fun to see all the different people cheering you on! No one got bored watching you run circles, no-your friends would run to keep up with you! They'd race around the track to keep cheering you on.

When you were done, you were smiles. You knew where you started and you knew exactly how far you'd gone. 

That's what this program does. It takes you on a journey-it helps you conquer your hills and it cheers you on along the way. I makes you enjoy the journey and discover things along the way that make you realize how awesome and how much power you really have!

Additionally, you help to change the people around you. When you start to become a non-jealous person, filled with positive thoughts, you attract more people to you. People who want that feeling too!

I'm already almost done with my second toxic thought and I can't wait to just keep continuing my positive journey! Life doesn't seem to be the rat race it once was. I have an incredible sense of peace now. Joy. God has truly blessed me and my family! I have fully started to appreciate all his Glory and Wonder for our lives and those around us! What an amazing thing to feel.

If you are struggling with these same types of thoughts, try this program! I promise you, you will see the difference in your life!!!  This might be one of those things that I need to "giveaway," on my blog, because this is really what my life and journey on here has been all about.

Be the change that needs to happen. Be the change for someone else. Let's help each other!

Have you had thoughts that you've struggled with that just affect your whole life? Your relationships? Do you ever just feel tired of thinking and feeling that way? 

I'd love to hear your stories or comments. Have you heard of her program and tried it?

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We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)


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The Lamb of God Craft for Kids

Easter/Resurrection Sunday is almost here! One of the MAJOR holidays, I'd say.

Plus, the weather is usually starting to get nice out!

This year, I get the honor of helping to teach the kids at church, right before Easter Sunday.

Sometimes, I struggle with finding a craft for everyone. But, I came up with this idea and thought it was really cute and fun! Plus it combines a lot of different things to help teach the message and give the kids some fun hands on time too!

I thought it would be fun to use the message of John 1:29.

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

I found this really awesome site, Twisty Noodle!

Go THERE! You can make any type of coloring page/writing page you want! I LOVE this site!

I printed out a few different versions of this to use. I printed on out that said, Lamb of God. (It's traceable to help the little kids learn to write also!) One that said, Jesus, Lamb of God. One blank one, and one with bold letters on top with the verse John 1:29. 

I let my kids color and do this at home first. They're really little but they enjoy coloring. 

Then, we took large cotton balls and stretched them apart, and glued them onto the Lamb. To make it nice and fluffy and give it some texture.

Ok, Mom did some grass coloring and the nose had to be pink. It's my mom thing!

Pretty cute to hang on the fridge right?! 

My idea for older kids, is to use this bold word verse, with the bible verse, and have them write out what it means for them, that Jesus was the lamb of God.

I think this is a good way to remind kids, whether you go to a church or not, that Easter Sunday is about more than just chocolates and bunnies. More than just ham/turkey dinner with gifts and family and friends. This is a day for celebration that we get to live forever, because Jesus defeated death, and Satan!
(If that's a little heavy for you, I'm sorry. It still doesn't make it any less true.) So rejoice! Be glad and ENJOY this day with your kiddos! And Be Very Thankful, that the Lamb did come for you and me!

Happy Easter/Resurrection Sunday everyone! 

May God Bless you and your family!

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KIDS Passport: Domestic Only

Sending some encouragement and love in a balloon!

Incorporate ANY shapes for ANY holiday or occassion!

Need ideas to spread LOVE? You'll be addicted once you start!

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Keeping your Mouth in Check with your Heart

We've all done it. 

Had that moment, when we've said something we wished we hadn't. Boy, those words linger a long time don't they? Bet you can remember your face flushing red, or the look on the other person's face, or the sound in their or your own voice.

We've all experienced it.

A friend, loved one, co-worker let loose a statement or comment that knocked you back and maybe knocked you straight down to the ground. You remember that moment well. It's been with you for awhile. Maybe you've had several from the same people. Regardless of the circumstances, you've experienced the hurt, devastation and frustration from someones thoughtless words.

I've been spending a lot of time trying to listen to what I've been saying. I have been in a constant reminder over the past month or so about my words and what they really mean.

That probably sounded a little vague. Let me explain. I'm sure you've probably encountered a few of these sayings some where in your life.

Kind words are like honey-they cheer you up and make you feel strong.
                                                          -Proverbs 16:24 (CEV)

Watching what you say can save you a lot of trouble.
                                                          -Proverbs 21:23 (CEV)

A bird that you set free may be caught again, but a word that escapes your lips will not return.
                                                           -Jewish Proverb

The heart of a fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is in his heart.
                                                        -Benjamin Franklin

Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile and a grateful heart.
                                                         -Zig Ziglar

Don't let your mouth write a check your tail can't cash.
                                                          -Bo Diddley

For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
                                                          -Matthew 12:37

Good people do good things because of the good in their hearts. Bad people do bad things because of the evil in their hearts. Your words show what is in your heart.
                                                          -Luke 6:45 (CEV)

Even fools seem smart when they are quiet.
                                                               -Proverbs 17:28

I think that's enough to get the point over. The big one that I keep getting is the message from Luke 6:45. Your words show what is in your heart.

Do you ever hear people constantly being negative? Constantly coming up with drama? If you listen to them, and what they're really saying, you'll learn to read between the lines. They're unhappy. They have some thing in their heart that is just sad, and that is why they say all the things they do.

Have you ever been around someone who is just joyful? Who just speaks great things and helps to build you up? You would know if you had. I'm talking about a person who was sincere and genuine. Not someone just throwing compliments randomly out there, but someone who has a great heart. Someone who can help you see the positive, when something negative tries to hit you. (Sometimes, it can almost be annoying! But, never the less, you still are so thankful for those people who can help show you the wonderfulness that life has.)

I've been more quiet lately. (Go ahead and laugh a little right now, because if you know me, it's almost funny to imagine me being quiet.) But, I've been struggling lately. I know that I've encountered a lot of negative words recently. It made me wonder if I had been doing the same thing to other people. I needed time to look inside myself and see what I was battling and dealing with. I needed to listen to what my heart was telling other people and myself. 

If the power of our words brings life and death, happiness and sorrow, healing or hurt-why is it, we don't treat them all like the treasures they really are?

There was a time that all people had were words. There were no cell phones, computers, books and documents. If someone gave you their word, it was a done deal. Goods traded and sold, all at the power of a word.

There are still a few things that only require a few words, in order to change a life. Words like, "Will you marry me?" "I do!" "We're pregnant!" "We'd like to offer you the job!" "Congratulations!" "I'm proud of you." "I love you."

These small words, are so powerful. They are also not offered, often. 

I bet some of your most memorable days, included some of the most kind hearted words you'd ever heard. Mine do. The day I got engaged, was so special and amazing. Some of the most difficult days I've made it through, were all because someone gave me some kind words and positive encouragement.

Maybe if we all started using more positive words, we could see a difference and change in people. Have you told your kids you're proud of them lately? Have you reminded your mom and dad that you're thankful, for all they've done and sacrificed for you? Have you ever told your friend that their support was what changed their whole week around, or maybe life? Have you told your spouse how wonderful they are and why?

I've never heard anyone, EVER, complain about being told something positive.

Well, ok, that's not entirely true. I was once given a work evaluation and told, as a negative point, that I was too "cheerful and bubbly." (Pause for an awkward moment.....) Yea, I thought it was weird too. There's always someone who wants to rain on a positive parade, but again, you can see those people have some deep hurt/fears/hate in their hearts.

As I move on from my newly learned lesson, I hope that I've shared something with you, for your life. Listen to what you've been saying. Even if it means you're a little quieter and don't have a lot to say right now. Evaluate what it is you mean.

Maybe, if you're reading this, you're seeing that it's meant for someone in your life. Maybe they need more positive words. Maybe someone in your life needs to be built up, because they're struggling inside. Maybe they just need to be reminded how truly wonderful they are. 

So I dare you-go build someone up! Go use your Super Power Words for GOOD! Go and share the love! You'll NEVER regret saying something positive and meaningful, to someone.


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Friendship: The New Dating Game

30 Acts of Kindness

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My 30th Birthday

This day has finally arrived. I'm 30. It's an age that when I was about 13, I thought was old. Like, REALLY old. An age that seemed so far away, but was the start of the downhill of life.

I'm so glad I'm not 13 anymore. This birthday, means nothing even remotely close to what I thought it did back then.

This birthday, is the celebration of life. It's the acknowledgment that throughout some of the stupidest things I've ever done in my youthful life, I've managed to live to tell the tales to another generation. That I've grown in all areas and ways of life. That I've taken paths that have never been traveled, and that I've shared my means with others.

This birthday was the realization that I have SO FAR to go yet. That at this point in my life, I could never be done doing, what needs to be done. 

I'm so grateful for the opportunities that I've been given. I've been incredibly blessed with all the people I've met in my life. Those who have been around to help give me guidance and perspective. To share their errors and triumphs with me, in hopes that I'll be able to have an even better life. 

I'm even grateful for those challenging and difficult people I know/have in my life. It's because of these people and their daily challenges for me, that I get to experience what it truly means to love. These people also show me that out of each difficult situation, there is a lesson to be learned and shared. If we didn't learn from them, life would be pretty uneventful and probably hopeless.

But nonetheless, I'm 30! What a fabulous thing! 

As I've been mentioning and doing in some of my posts, I wanted to be a giver and a sharer of this moment. (Not just this moment, I've realized but in EVERY moment!)

I kicked off my 30th with doing 30 Random Acts of Kindness.

http:www.spirituallythinking.blogspot.com
Taken from Here! Love this!

I just want to encourage each and every one of you, to try this at some point in your life. You don't necessarily need to do thirty things, or even ten different things. But this journey was amazing!

I took about a month and half to sit down and plan this. I needed to save a little money and some of these things required a lot of time.

I made a list of things I wanted/thought I could do. I had planned to do them all in one day, but after I started acquiring all this 'stuff' I realized, my car was too SMALL to hold everything in one shot. Plus, my husband pointed out that taking my two little kids with me every where I went to do this, would make this a miraculous feat to get it all done in one full day.

My Collection of Items!

I broke it up into a few things each day. My kids could take doing this stuff for about an hour or two max. He was right. Yes, I said it. My husband, was RIGHT! 

Here is what I did, and how it went! Enjoy!

 Act #1. Donated Valentine's to the homeless shelter for the kids to make and take to school.

 Act #2. Took puzzles and coloring books and crayons and dropped them off at the hospital for the kids.

 Act #3. Donated coffee to the homeless shelter.

 Act #4. Sent a Yiftee to a lucky Reader!

 Act #5. Picked up garbage around the neighborhood.

Act #6. Donated expired coupons to the Red Cross for the troops.

 Act #7. Sent cards to friends and family with lots of love

 Act #8. Put coupons out at the store for people to use.

 Act #9. Left diapers at the diaper stations.

 Act #10. Handed out Blessing Bags to the people in need.

 Act #11. Handed out waters to people we saw, like the mail lady, homeless, the kids holding signs and billboards by the street.

Act #12. Retrieved rogue shopping carts throughout the store parking lots, and placed them in the carousels.

 Act #13. Helped a gentleman with his groceries and put his cart away. (He was really surprised I offered to help, and even more so when he found out I didn't work for the store.)

Act #14. Smile all day at people. (This seems easy, but try it! Actually focus on walking through the store with a smile on your face. You have to make an effort to keep doing it....all day long...all the time! But, it works. Everyone can't help but smile back.)

Act #15. Bought flowers and cards and gave them to a gas station attendant. (There were two of them.) As I drove away, I saw them smile.

 Act #16. Woke up Monday morning to snow! Got out REALLY early and shoveled my neighbors side walks and tried to brush the snow off their windshields.

Act #17. Used my cute Treat Holders (how to make post HERE) and gave the librarians some milk and donuts! They thought the treat holder was cute and the thought was very nice!

Act #18. Gave a homeless, smiling, helpful man, who was outside the post office, a coupon for chicken nuggets at Burger King with the money to cover it, plus tax and I threw some extra money. Also gave him a blessing bag with dry socks, and a water. He was so happy.

Act #19. Made Red Velvet Cupcakes for the nurses at our local hospital. (Heads up on this one--you may need to call ahead and find out if they will take them! I actually have a few neighbors who are nurses, who brought them, because our hospital will only take pre-packaged food to hand out from a stranger. Makes sense when you think about it.) Included a thank you note for them always being awesome!

 Act #20. Gave the crossing guard at the local school some milk and donuts in my cute Treat Carrier!

 Act #21. Bought the person's coffee behind me in line at Starbucks.

Act #22. Brought back old vases to a local mom and pop floral shop! They were really grateful!

Act #23. Put up notes with the change for a soda, on the soda machines. (Pop machines, if you're from the Midwest!)

Act #24 & #25. Gave donuts and thank you cards to both the local fire station and sheriff's office!

Act #26. Made 89 homemade Valentine's for the local assisted living/nursing home. (Are you always finding fun projects to make with your kids and not sure what to do with them all, bring them there! They really appreciate it!)

Act #27. Wrote out positive, encouraging and loving notes and left them on cars.

Act #28. Donated a bag of dog food to the local animal shelter.

Act #29. Donated some medical supplies to the local free clinic. (Nothing major, just small things.) They are always grateful and they take care of so many in our local areas!  

Act #30. Recycle plastic garbage bags. 

Act #31. Tell my family and friends how much I love them! 

Act #32. Leave a big tip! Even if they don't deserve it. You never know what's going on in their life, and perhaps your note and tip will be the reason their night turns around and others will get great service that night too! 

 Act #33. Mail treats to an unsuspecting friend! Surprise!

Act #34. Gave away a diamond candle on the blog to a lucky reader! (See, I give good stuff here!) 

Act #35. Bought Milk & Cookies for all the kids at Story Hour. Mom's totally appreciate this!

Act #36. Place stamps on envelopes at the card store.
Act #37. Donate blood.
Act #38. Leave $1 bills at the Dollar Store for people to find.
Act #39. Buy a grocery store gift card and give it to someone in the store to use.
Act #40. Hand out balloons to people.
Act #41. Pay for someone's hair cut (Done by friends!)
Act #42. Pay for someone's gas. (Done by friends!)

Ok, so I did more than 30, but once you get started you realize how awesome and incredibly fun it is, to be the blessing in someone's life.

The flowers, and the grocery carts, the coffee and cookies were some of my favorites, because I actually got to see some of the reactions.

You know how you always HEAR about people doing good things, and you think, "I can do that?" Go do it! Be a DOER! 

I have to tell you, when I first started this, I had serious doubts. I thought people would think I'm crazy and that it feels weird. But you have to fight PAST that! Because, wouldn't you want any of these nice things to happen to you?!?! I know I would. So what are you waiting for? 

BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE!

All these are just small seeds. People that mock small seeds, fail to realize that all great things come from something small. The biggest trees started from a tiny seed. Even we, as people, started from something even smaller than a seed! Look how we've grown! Go and be amazing! Go and DO!

After realizing how easy it is to do these things, I plan to keep going. There is no reason that I should just do these once in my life or once a year. I can't wait to keep doing all these things.

I'd love to hear what you've done-or ideas you have! Tell me how it felt to do some random acts of kindness! Or how it felt when one happened to you!

Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without

 realizing it.

Hebrews 13:2

Want more ideas on how to spread some fun love and cheer? Check out these posts!

Giving Gifts To Those Who Don't Care For You

Giving in Secret

Recalls story of getting gifts, and giving back

Coffee Dates

Donate Breast Milk

Library Fines

Flying With Thanks!

Sending Cheer!

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