Friday, March 27, 2009

All I Need Is Jesus Ch 3

Ch 3 I have pride issues

Q#1 Can you think of a situation where pride has led to your downfall?

Not specifically, but pride is a sneaky area for me. She writes about befriending "needy" people. That spoke to me. I want to be filled up and encouraged by those I spend my time with. I am learning that instead of unfriending the "needy or not so fun to be around people in my life, I need to pray about who God wants me to spend my time with. then be prepared through prayer that many of those people may not be who I would choose.

Q#2 What areas do you struggle with pride?

I like to be in control and plan ahead. I am often humbled when the Lord takes me a different direction then I expected.

Q#3 Using the definition of humility, recognizing yourself for who you really are, how do you define yourself?

Bossy, stubborn, Stuck in MY ways, always attempting to hold the reigns.

Q#4 How does the fact that Jesus love you, just as you are, change your view?

I am learning to use my stronger characteristics like bossy and always leading for good and not bad. Just being aware that I have certain characteristics is a huge difference. I am learning to pray more and not just OFFER the Lord the reigns to my life in worship and prayer but actually give them over to Him. Because through His love and meeting me where I am at, imperfections, short comings and all, I am humbled that He loves me enough to forgive me over and over and over. Everlasting unconditional love is so powerful and an area in my life I really need the Lord to meet me at and share the burden of the yoke with Him, my Heavenly Father.
Matthew 11:28-30
Then Jesus said,"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. let me teach you, because I am humble and gently, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden i give you is light."

All I Need Is Jesus Ch 2

Ch 2 I am not a supermodel

Q#1 Do you feel pressure to look a certain way? Where does it come from?

Yes, I do feel that pressure. Ever since having Paisley and moving to California I have lost the confidence that I used to have. I am slowly but surely gaining that back. The pressure comes from myself, I am always comparing myself to more fit and in shape women, but that is what makes me get my butt off the couch and working out again, so I do not mind comparing.

Q#2 How do you think God views how you look?

I think it hurts His feelings when I do not fully appreciate the God given beauty He has blessed me with. I think He is pleased when I take care of my body and eat healthier and excersize, for both me and for my families sake.

Q#3 Do you give more care to your "inner" or "outer" beauty?

Sadly my outer. It is easier to focus on the outer beauty. The inner beauty takes a lot more work. Now that I have been challenged though, I will arise to the occasion and change that.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

All I Need Is Jesus Ch 1

Ch.1 I am oh so tired

Q#1 What part of your life do you struggle with "the tired lady?"

Many parts. As of late I have (more often then not) had a difficult time prioritizing. I am a Mom, wife, friend, believer, entrepreneur, cook, cleaner and so much more. I need to make prayer a top priority and let the rest of my hats rest in the Lords hands. After all He have me all of the hats in the first place...

Q#2 How do you feel life is pulling at you?

How is it not... I am trying to learn to go with the flow and respond to change better (a must as a mom) But I always feel like I am failing just enough in one area that I never allow the positive feelings of success from another area to sink in. Therefore I feel like I have failed (again) It makes me feel like I can never get it "all" right and enjoy life.
BUT I am learning (through self reflection and prayer) that the Lord loves me enough to meet me where I am at. I do not have to have it "all" together to please the Lord or to receive His love. His love is unconditional, and because He loves me unconditionally it allows me to love myself more unconditionally.

Q#3 How do you identify with Peter and his struggles?

I hope that I do not identify with Peter (well at least Simon[he was Simon before the Lord changed his name to Peter]) I pray that if I am in any way similar to Peter (his betrayal and lazy side) that the Lord would use whatever He has to to knock me straight and open my eyes. I pray that the Lord will not give up on me!

Q#4 What is your prayer as you are caught in the crazy life?

Lord,
I thank you from the bottom of my heart that you love me enough to meet me where I am. I thank you for your forgiveness and the compassion you show towards me every day. I am thankful that you know my heart and hear my cries for grace and patience all the while saving me from myself. I owe everything to you and pray for you guidance through my busy days, that you would assist me in prioritizing my day to day tasks. I love you, Amen

Matthew 11:28-30

Then Jesus said,"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. let me teach you, because I am humble and gently, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden i give you is light."

All I Need

All I Need Is Jesus & A Good Pair Of Jeans by Susanna Foth Aughtmon is the book I am currently reading. I just started it yesterday for our new womens group. I read the first three chapters (they are not too long) in a an easy hour taking time to reflect and really take in this book and the concepts. The theme of the book is "the tired supergirl's search for grace" I knew I would get something out of this book, but who knew this much! It comes with a study in guide in the back. I must suggest this book to all women.
Go check it out, or if you want to borrow it (and return it) I would love to share!!!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Child numero 2!!! (BEFORE 2010)

Well we wanted to give Paisley a sibling, and we wanted them to be as close to 3yrs as possible. Last night we found out that we are pregnant.... PRAISE THE LORD!

I have done it (BEFORE 2010)

I not only took my jewelry to stores, but it is currently being sold in 3! Many more to come too... it feels wonderful :) GO ME!!!

more books to own

ANYTHING WRITTEN BY Ron Mehl honestly!!!
http://www.allbookstores.com/author/Ron_Mehl.html
They WILL change your life.

jewelry sales

Well as you may have heard I have had much success recently with my jewelry. It started from a dare... my brother and I talk every other week about accountability. We each pick something we want to work on. A few weeks ago mine was my jewelry. I have not given it much thought for a while and I mentioned that. Well Eric dared me to take it into at least two stores before the next week (it was already Thursday) instead of arguing with him and trying to explain all the work that is was going to take before I brought it to any stores... I just agreed went for it and now I am in three stores as of now I have 3-4 more that want my jewelry! SO on that note the Lord is answering my prayers and giving me strength, courage and support to go out there and put my product in the stores hands. We will see how they actually sell once in stores, but I did my part :) Oh and THANK YOU ERIC!!!

Thank you dear Jesus for being my friend, and my support. Thank you for knowing my heart and dreams and pushing me gently where you want me to go. You have given me skills and I want them to glorify you. I have so many more skills I have yet to put to use, I am in the process of that, please fill me with creativity and use me to make beautiful gifts that will bless people and bring cheer to their lives, especially in these economical times. I love you and I praise your name. Amen

praying for patience...

DUN DUN DUN... if you have ever prayed this prayer (for patience) you know what happens next is anything but pleasant. BUT that doesn't mean I am not gong to ask. Well the last two in a half weeks have been a major test and stretch of my patience. It is my own fault I have no one to blame but myself :)
I have recently started a new business, sounds simple maybe? Well it has not been. New website, business cards, invoices, product, time, energy, love... oh and did I mention I was doing all of this while still taking on my full time job of mom, wife, housekeeper, meal maker, and friend! I lost my mind last night, the pressure got to me and I cried my eyes out. But it got me to a new perspective and I learned a ton. So I am proud to say that today is a new day and I am a new mom, if Pais could talk she would agree :)
I have a new business site that is still in a skeleton form but you can take a peak at convincedbytraci.etsy.com also I have built a group site and monthly gatherings for other handmade artists as a way of connecting and succeeding together. (Our pastor is always talking about how God is a God of connections) I am finding my calling and feeling the Lord along side me the whole way. It has been very exciting, all of my personality traits and God given gifts are finding a common thread and working for me! Oh yeh, you can find that at handmadegatherings.blogspot.com
I am learning growing and becoming successful like never before, in my business ventures, mom experiences and life in general. Thank you all for the continued support, it is always appreciated :)
With love, Traci (the new and improved)