February 18, 2009

On My Heart

I'm a romantic, but you might be surprised to find that I've never cared much for Valentine's Day. In fact, this year I told R that he shouldn't even buy me a card. He doesn't need to show me me loves me by spending $5 on a card, unless it's from Starbucks. He shows me every day of the year how much he cherishes and appreciates me. Instead of going out, we had a quiet evening at home with CJ. She cooked dinner...her expression of love to us, and a blessing despite the fact that I had to clean the kitchen afterward.

Even though I'm not into Valentine's Day, I do have some things on my heart:

~R's mission team to Mississippi leaves tomorrow morning bright and early. A few days ago, he found out that he's now in charge of the team. He's more than capable, but also nervous. Compounding his nervousness is the fact that several team members (including R) have terrible colds. Please pray that the Lord will be glorified through all of this. And while you're at it, say a prayer for CJ. She's such a Daddy's Girl, and has already started crying that she doesn't want him to go.

~This weekend I received an unexpected donation for my Peru trip. I haven't been "fund raising", because I know the Lord wants me to trust Him for this rather than asking for money. So, I was totally surprised when a dear friend, who's participated in a foreign mission trip herself, sent me a beautiful card and enclosed a check. When I called her to thank her, she said she knew it wasn't even a drop in the bucket...but I hope she realizes that it means so much to me! With that gift, my consignment shop money for the month, and the deposit the Lord already provided, I've got exactly half of the funds needed! Way to go, God!

~I've been reevaluating and repurposing my computer time, particularly blogging and Facebook. While there are plenty of blogs that entertain, I've realized that I want to read only those that encourage my walk with Christ, educate me in homekeeping, and make me a better woman. I pray that my little corner of the blogworld does that for those who visit here. It's not my goal to entertain or to be popular. I'd rather leave the mark of Jesus here than leave my own. As for Facebook, I just "unfriended" quite a few people who weren't really friends in the first place. I still like chatting with people via Facebook, and it's a nice way to keep up with friends and family. The bottom line is, that I'm not going to let blogging or Facebook overwhelm me anymore.

~I've got to get back into a routine at home. I'm close, but not quite there. I'm hoping to get much accomplished while R's gone, so that he'll return to the peaceful haven we once had. I won't be working as hard as I did last year while he was gone, but my TO DO list is pretty long.

~Recently, I've been given some opportunities to hold others accountable and to be held accountable myself. I've joined a fitness blog, and R has been encouraging me in exercising. I also have an accountability partner for my weight. A few weeks ago, a friend came to me and asked that I hold her accountable for some television choices. She didn't know that the show she struggles with is one I had to give up more than 1 1/2 years ago. I could totally relate to her battle, and have been doing my best to encourage her. In doing so, I've realized that there's still room for improvement in my media choices as well.

Enough about me...what's on your heart these days?




5 comments:

mholgate said...

I have been evaluating the purpose of my blog as well. I want it to be one that encourages and uplifts others. My heart is to encourage women. Especially young mothers and even more specific, at home moms. I have five children, all in different stages right now, but close in age. This year on my blog I hope to share a lot more about parenting, as I myself learn and grow with God's help. You have a great blog here, Melissa. Thank you for sharing your life with me and others like me.

Blessings!
Melissa

Carrie said...

I'm really thinking through this post a bit so thanks for taking the time to write it up! Definite food for thought!

Lisa Spence said...

I love hearing your heart!

His Girl said...

I'm really contemplating routines. I see that I need to create a night time routine... do you have one?

Lisa Smith said...

The whole issue of time and how I spend it is always on my mind...I pretty much ranted, raved and CRIED out to God to give me more of it last fall. I don't really feel like I've given anything up because I've gained so much of Him!! I am still learning how to get it all done but my verse for this department is " Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." Matt. 6:33 NLT
Blessings to you today!