Springtime in my head

I was listening to a teaching by Joyce Meyer this morning and it struck home to me. I've heard her speak this message before and each time it really hits me. It was about a great many things but the parts that applied most to me today were the following.

1. Having a critical spirit - I've been working on this "melancholic" perfectionist side of me ever since I can remember. Frequently, I take on the role of "Holy Spirit Junior" (as Mrs. Meyer says) both in my own life and in the lives of those I love. But really, God doesn't need my help, just my willingness to let Him take my task-list to task. It really isn't necessary, I have discovered, to point out & correct every error that my husband or loved ones make. I can just let things "slide" and enjoy life a lot more if I chill out.

2. Having a huge "to do" list - I've been thinking I've gotten better at delegating but it's really still such a battle. I have to really, really think hard about not having to complete my list and to allow myself some rest and in doing so, to allow Mario & others to rest too. I get so busy that although I pray nearly all day long, I have no devotion time, no "listening" time.

Some good things I've been succeeding at have been (1) thanking the Lord once I've prayed my prayer of faith - not asking over & over, pestering God about what He already knows, (2) not doubting that He has the best in mind for me, including impeccable timing, and (3) that He really does have everything under control and because He loves me, it doesn't matter what others think of my progress.

I still struggle almost daily with anxiety, with too much "thinking" but every day "His mercies are new" and He shows His faithfulness and gives me His peace whenever I pause long enough to rest & actually receive it.

What a few weeks it has been!
I've been battling depression - uninvited & unexplained & completely unnecessary depression. But my God is greater and I am victorious!!
Life is very, very busy - 18 hours working at the church as a secretary, about 3 hours as the music director - working about 40 hours teaching people/kids how to play the piano, sing properly or play the violin - prepping for weddings on the weekends, meeting with hope-to-be clients - any housework I can get my body to cooperate with me to do.....
The good thing is that I am able to have these jobs during a time when others are searching for their "next line" of work, trying to make life changes at a time when they thought they were settled in for the duration. I am grateful, if a tad tired.
Mario's still looking for full time work - he's thinking about heading back to school too. He auditioned for a local swing/jazz band - they're pretty big in this area, opening the Detroit jazz festival every year. I just want him to be happy. I told him if he has to travel & starts making some money playing gigs, I'll buy an RV and travel around following him and loving it!!
I'm proud of my family these days too - especially my dad & brother-in-law for trusting God's lead. Lots of things in the prayer-fire today but ultimately I know that God is still on His throne and has the best in mind for me & mine.

Kids

I received this precious story in my email today and, as an aunt, really feel the need to share it here.

This one is for everyone who...
a) has kids
b) had kids
c) was a kid
d) knows a kid
e) is going to have kids.
I guess that means all of us!!

DADDY'S GONNA EAT YOUR FINGERS

I was packing for my business trip andmy three year old daughter was having a wonderful time playing on the bed. At one point she said, 'Daddy, look at this',and stuck out two of her fingers.
Trying to keep her entertained, I reached out and stuck her tiny fingers in my mouth and said, 'Daddy's gonna eat your fingers,' pretending to eat them. I went back to packing, looked up againand my daughter was standing on the bed staring at her fingers with a devastated look on her face.
I said,'What's wrong, honey?' She replied, 'What happened to my booger?'


hahahahahaha!!!

Update

So, I haven't written for a while & thought I'd jot down some of our recent prayer requests, praise reports and happenings...

• my bro-in-law, Paul, needs prayer for continued physical healing
• my father & Paul both need new jobs a.s.a.p.
• Paul & April, the kids and my mom all had the flu this weekend but have weathered the storm and are recuperating
• salvation for some of Mario's sisters
• continued healing for Monica (Mario's sis) and for continued financial provision
• we may be adding another praise & worship leader here at JCC soon; I'm prayerfully excited about this!
• Mario & I usually have February, March & April off for our DJ business but this year we have 4 gigs in Feb, and 1 each in March & April!!!
• Dad's birthday celebration was low-key since April's family had the flu and Mario was working. We bought him a new game for his Wii system & he & I played for an hour or two. It was fun!!
• My high school friends are putting together a multi-class reunion for July this year & asked us to DJ it. Yippee!!
• I had a serious bout with IBS & endometriosis again early this month but have been managing it well since then. I'm also working out 4 times a week at the gym. Woo hoo!!
• Our neighbors recently asked us "how you do it" regarding having hope & living with peace during financial stress. It was a great open door to talk about God's provision and turning your life to Him.
• We had a table at the Gino's Surf bridal show a few Sundays ago & booked a wedding right then & there!!

There's always more to share, but that's the news in a nutshell for now. Thank you, Lord for continued provision, peace & health!!