Happy Birthday to ME!

Today is my birthday! June 18th. I am celebrating life! The life that God gave to me.
He breathed into me, and brought me to life 56 years ago. I am so thankful.

I am learning to be happy with where I am at. To rest in the moment, instead of pushing through, trying to become "better", by doing more. Learning to rest in who God made me to be. That it is okay to "do" things that I enjoy, and bring refreshment to my soul...it isn't selfish. It is part of caring for the self that God designed and made me to be. Appreciating who I am, and how He made me.

I'm easily distracted and become distorted in my thinking. I start to believe that my life is based on my performance, instead of who I am in Christ Jesus.

I am so thankful for my Shepherd. Jesus. Who gently leads and guides me back onto the path. My kind Shepherd pokes and prods, ever so gently to steer me back on course. My Shepherd is also, El Shammah- The LORD who is there.

Today, I will celebrate by spending quiet time by the "still waters". I will "lie down in green grass" by enjoying being in the outdoors...breathing in fresh air. Filling my lungs with life giving air. I will spend time doing things that restore my soul. Creating with my hands. Spending time with family.

Why I find it difficult to take time out for me!

There are no easy 1,2,3's of why it is so difficult for me to spend time on myself. I can echo the usual responses of: I'm too busy. There is too much to do. Other's are expecting me to perform, to produce. These can all be true. Maybe it is unique to women, but I think not. I believe we all have difficulty taking time for ourselves because we feel it might be considered selfish.

From our young days we were instructed to "not be selfish". (thinking only of self). Children don't seem to have a problem with thinking of themselves first and foremost, this comes naturally. Until the instruction from adults come and interrupt their worlds. Teaching how to put others first. I think maybe we are cautioned so much to think of others, that thinking of ourselves becomes a "no-no".

For those who struggle with perfectionism, and doing things "right", taking time for oneself is usually considered "selfish". Of course, this is not true. But if perfectionism is a challenge that you face, then accurate thinking is already being distorted by your need for the highest standard attainable. One of the problem's with this standard is, it can never be reached. , Even if one tried to their utmost, they would still fall short, because in their mind, perfect is really never attainable. It is like a mystical place. It cannot be fully realized. It is a mirage of the mind.

So how does one settle the argument of selfish versus self-care? For me, this continues to be a life long learning experience because I am a "recovering perfectionist". I'm continually "tripped" up by the enemy who would deceive me into thinking that I must not give myself one iota of a thought, for that would be selfish. The truth however, is that I am LOVED with an abiding, unchangeable, unimaginable love. God loves me so much and is constantly thinking about me;(Psalm 139: 17-18 NLT). He desires that I walk in truth and not deceit;(3 John 1:4 NLT). He desires that I spend time with him;(Song of Solomon 7:10 NIV.) He wants me to care for my body;(1 Cor. 6:19-20 NLT). He desires for me to rest;(Heb.4:10 NLT). And the LOVE list goes on.

I'm continually learning how to practice self-care each and every day. One of the ways of taking care of myself, is taking time out for me. Actually, "scheduling", me time. Listening to the Holy Spirit whisper to my soul. That is where I always need to start, and then find things that restore my spirit, mind and body. The Spirit reminds me of who I am in Christ. The unique OOAK person I am. He brings to mind things that I enjoy, or that refresh. Joy filled things. I am on treasure hunt of JOY!

http://bit.ly/belovedbrews

"DoBe.. DoBe... Do..."

If you are thinking that I'm going to break out in song...you are mistaken. :)
No, the title reflects a continual struggle of mine...whether to do or be.
I am a recovering workaholic. Recovering because I will never have reached completeness this side of heaven. I often have wrong thoughts that tell me; "You must be DOing something! That is where your worth and value lie...in your performance."
Sometimes I muddle in this puddle of incorrect thinking, until I reach out for the life line that is always available through Jesus. He offers a rope of hope. He reminds me that I am precious in His sight. That He chose me. He offers abiding in Him for peace, stability, comfort, and correct thinking.

With starting my business I have definitely been in the "DOing" mode. The feeling of having to "make it." It's all up to me to make this happen...you know...that kind of thinking.
Then Jesus reminds me, often through friends and family, that it is not about ME, "making it"...but about HIM accomplishing HIS work in and through me.

Ah...now that is the amazing difference of doing and being. Doing requires pressure and time limits and the thinking that says; "It's all up to me." Being requires resting in God's promises...that He is able.

To sum up my continual lesson: When I get in my "DOing" mode I get anxious, fearful, irritable, confused, questioning, and all the doubts that come with functioning in my own abilities. When I am "BEing", I relax in the truth of knowing God and His word and His character.
Yes, I still "do" in the "BEing"...but the difference is?: I am listening to my Father's voice directing me in the work that He has for me. I have a little cross stitch picture that I made almost 20 years ago; to remind me of this very thing. The picture is of an Amish couple sitting by a door with the words above reading: "My God is able"

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
2 Cor. 9:8 NIV

When I get stuck in the DOing mode, one thing I do is reflect on God's word...and one of my favorite ways to do this is by looking at Angela's beautiful photography of Cades Cove in Tennessee...one of my favorite places to visit.

This is one of her photos that I am fond of. Please check out more of her work at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/angelasheartwork