Getting Back on Track... Days 5, 6 & 7

A weekend away taking Ephraim to his annual cardiology exam at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago and visiting family got me a bit off track with my blogging, but I certainly was able to continue to be grateful and positive.

Of great importance to our family was the blessing God had in store for us in Ephraim's cardiology exam. First it started with Ephraim (without prompting) vehemently requesting that I contact his teachers to ask them to pray for his appointment and travel. I am grateful for sons that know the power of prayer and for teachers that are faithful to pray for and with my sons.

I am grateful for family. Staying with my twin brother and his family is a gift to us in so many ways. Because of family, going to Chicago doesn't have to be all about going to the cardiologist. It is about time with cousins, playing, sleeping over, celebrating and a soccer game.

We are grateful for a cardiologist that offers Saturday appointments at a suburban clinic so that school or work do not have to be missed. Our appointment gave us confirmation of Ephraim's clean bill of health and even the potential promise that he may be able to play competitive sports as he gets older. This is something to be grateful for considering they had previously said he would not be allowed to do this at all.

Our day wasn't over when we left the soccer game at Oak Park. On the way home, we hopped off the highway to Munster, Indiana and were able to catch the school musical of our nieces Catherine and Sara. As well as sharing in a wonderful meal and a few precious moments of outside play with cousins. I am grateful for more family time and then a safe trip home. I am grateful for a husband that is willing to drive and is committed to the care of his family.

I had hoped to have an unbroken chain of posts for the 21 days of this challenge, but I am staying positive and not wallowing in the days I did not post. I was still able to complete most of the facets of the challenge including doing a little exercise in the car with a exer-band and some isometric exercises. So rather than focus on the negative, I am choosing the positive. Attitude is everything.

Save Ronald McDonald & Retrain Your Brain -- Day 4

I know this post will probably garner as much flack as my post in November 2008 titled: "Yeah, I do Eat White Bread!", but seriously people, all this business about Ronald McDonald making kids fat, GIVE ME A BREAK!!!! (And by the way, I "deserve a break today".)

OK,I realize my testimony may actually hurt Ronald, given the fact that I am considered fat, unfit and unattractive by the world's standards, but somebody has to take a stand. Seriously, I know that I am not the model of how to feed your children, and I could stand to get a lot more fresh fruit and veggies in our diet, but it isn't Ronald's fault.

And yes, I realize he is a fictional character portrayed by many people all around the world. I don't see anybody going after Mickey Mouse. Seriously, that mouse has his own vices. Chief among them is encouraging people to spend way more money than they can afford to make their kids "happy". I am not down on Mickey, so don't get me wrong. We all have choices to make.

I used to take my kids to McDonald's at least twice a week particularly when we lived in an apartment for a short period of time while building our house. I used to say "If the amount of Happy Meals my kids ate was a measure of how happy they were, than my kids would be ECSTATIC". I loved the food and was well on my way to a fry addiction. But, then I realized that for me it was gluttony. I asked the LORD to take away my craving for McDonald's, and truthfully He did. To this day, I myself cringe when my kids ask to go there. It really just doesn't have the same appeal to me anymore.

Even my kids have stopped wanting to go, unless they want the toy that is being offered. They don't beg to see Ronald, in fact clowns in general are considered creepy in my house. When we go, my kids get milk to drink, apples and chicken nuggets. My oldest son even picks the breading off them. They may sneak a few fries from our order, but they eat in moderation and they stop when they are full.

My paternal grandparents lived until they were 95 & 96 years old. They ate food fried in lard, white bread, drank 16 ounce bottles of soda, dessert at pretty much every meal and had a candy dish full of M&Ms and Snickers on the table. I believe that it isn't so much what you eat as much as it is how much you eat and the amount of exercise you get. My grandparents worked hard on the farm. I know my kids and especially I need more exercise.

More exercise is what I am trying to get in my Retrain Your Brain Challenge. I have been dutiful in exercising and am feeling better for it. This summer we are going to get more exercise as we have our Boot Camp Bible Study too. I want healthy habits for my kids, as well as a dose of fun, whimsy and nostalgia.

As for Day 4 of my challenge, I want to report that I am grateful for Ronald McDonald House Charities where we spent many a night during both of Ephraim's surgeries. I am grateful for childhood memories of the occasional trip to McDonald's and high school fun sitting on Ronald's lap with Sherry Gray. I am grateful for my trip to India and sitting next to Ronald with my friend Rachel, as we had a glimpse of home by his side.

My prayer and meditation time made me more aware of the way that God is with me in my troubles and that He doesn't promise to keep me from it, but walk with me. Exercise came in the form of more floor work with my big pink ball (Can you tell "I'm lovin' it"?). My positive experience was spending an hour and a half in line with the boy's waiting for Garcia's to open and eating dinner with our dear friends. My note of thanks was to my friend who takes the time to be authentic and genuine in her fellowship with me and my family.

All and all, another great day! Oh and I only have one more thing to say: "Save RONALD!".

Retrain Your Brain Day 3

A quick reflection on Day Three of my challenge to retrain my brain. Today, I am grateful for the quiet time I had with the LORD this morning. For the privilege of being a stay at home mom who can volunteer at my children's school and our church. For the soreness in my body that means I have been working out intensely. For the thank you text that I received from my friend who I wrote on Day One. For the hugs I received from a friend's child and the light in his eyes when I hugged him back.

My positive experience today was the Science Devotion that I presented to one of the other third grade classes. It went smoothly and the teacher and students were very appreciative. I enjoyed seeing the children be thrilled to learn and share their knowledge with me.

My prayer and meditation time brought more time in God's Word that offered joy, strength and wisdom. My exercise came in the form of floor exercises using my big pink ball. Still feeling the soreness from it.

My random act of kindness involved encouraging a fellow parent and spending time with my niece and goddaughter. God continues to work on me and I am thankful for that!

Retrain Your Brain Challenge Day 2

Finding things/people to be grateful for continues to be easy to do. Yesterday, I limited myself to only listing three things/people. Today, I decided I don't think that I will run out of things for which to be grateful. So here is the list that came to mind: my husband who sticks by me through "thick and thin", my first born son who has a tender and compassionate bent, and my second born son who has been a challenge and a delight to me. I am also thankful for the heritage irises that grace my back deck and my cousin John who gave them to me. I am thankful for my home and for my refrigerator even though it is on the fritz. I am grateful we have the money to have it fixed.

As for my positive experience, I was thrilled with the work I was able to accomplish on my Sumer Bible Study Theme with the LORD's help. I found some very useful information on the website: www.goarmy.com that I will be able to incorporate in our theme of being a good soldier in Christ.

My prayer and meditation time was spent in God's Word this morning. My focus again was on the song Sanctuary as well as a new verse Psalm 18:29. The LORD opened my heart and mind to trust Him and allow Him room to move in situations that I have previously tried to control.

I was thankful that the repairman was able to diagnose our refrigerator problems and leave in time for me to get to my Aqua Boot Camp class at the gym. I have been going to this class every Tuesday and Thursday (with rare exception) since early February. Twice a week exercise may not seem like much to some people, but from someone who has been pretty much sedentary off and on most of my life it was a big deal. I was concerned that I might not be inclined to make daily exercise a part of my routine, but I have decided that it maybe more doable and enjoyable than I think.

Honoring the challenge to praise or affirm someone in my life, I chose to write a friend who had generously given me several pairs of shoes that I was able to share with even more people. I also purposefully took time to thank Carson and Ephraim for cooperating by going to childcare while I went to Aqua Boot Camp. To which Carson replied "Why are you thanking us, Mama?". He wasn't expecting praise for his simple obedience, but praise is certainly due even in situations where obedience is expected.

All and all, another good day.. At least I am CHOOSING to see it that way!!!

Retrain My Brain -- Day 1

Today was day one of the challenge I was issued to retrain my brain for positive thinking. I believe the day went rather well. I know it wasn't perfect, but I stayed positive for the most part. It was refreshing to realize that when I made a conscious effort to look for the positive that I actually found it hard to stop.

There were many things for which I was grateful, many positive experiences in the day, lots of fun working out with my hula hoop, a blessed time being reminded of the closeness I can have with God when I pray and meditate and a difficult time stopping at only one note to a friend.

I am excited for more opportunities to look for and be a part of the positive tomorrow. God is doing a new thing in my mind and heart.

See my progress below.

Step 1. 3 new things I am grateful for every day

*1. God the Father, my Creator and Sustainer.
*2. God the Son, Jesus my Savior.
*3. God the Holy Spirit my Comforter, Counselor and Corrector.

Step 2. Journaling about 1 positive experience in the previous 24 hours -- allows brain to relive it.

I really enjoyed sharing family stories at the lunch table with fellow substitute teachers. Stories of family home cooking and learning from our grandparents. Fond memories of my Mam Mam making yeast rolls, frying chicken and angel food cake.

Step 3. Exercise every day -- teaches brain that behavior matter.

Over 25 minutes of hula hooping and jumping hoop. I love my glittery hula hoop and the success I feel at keeping it up and going for longer periods each time I use it.

Step 4. Meditation -- trains brain to focus on task at hand.

Meditated on Psalm 19:14 and the song Sanctuary. At home for a short time and on the way to school by myself. It was a great reminder to reflect repeatedly on the scripture and sing over and over again the words: LORD, prepare me, to be a sanctuary. Pure and holy. Tried and true. And with thanksgiving, I'll be a living sanctuary for You.

Step 5. Random acts of kindness -- every day, send one positive/praising email to one person every day in social support network.

Wrote a note to a friend whom I usually only speak to over the phone. A friend who challenges me to answer the tough questions.

Positive Challenge

I am back. And I return challenged to be positive. A college friend recently posted on facebook that she was both accepting and issuing a challenge to Retrain Your Brain! The retraining challenge came from a motivational speaker by the name of Sean Achor. The basic premise of the challenge is to practice five disciplines determined to retrain your brain to look for the positive in your circumstances. As far as I can surmise the speaker: Sean Achor works from a secular perspective, but I believe it is a challenge that comes with great possibility to adapt it to a Biblical perspective.

Below are the five disciplines that were derived from Sean Achor with a corresponding Bible verse that I have added. I plan to implement these disciplines in full swing starting tomorrow (given my procrastination issues), though I have found that without trying, I have implemented three out of the five. So that is progress.

Every day for 21 days:

1. 3 new things I am grateful for every day.

Colossians 3:16-17
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

2. Journal about one positive experience in the previous 24 hours allows brain to relive it. (I plan to do this on my blog)

Philippians 4:8
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.


3. Exercise every day -- teaches brain that behavior matters. (I've been working on this one since February, but only two days a week. Time to up the ante.)

1 Timothy 4:8
8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.


4. Meditation -- trains brain to focus on task at hand. (For me this includes
prayer as well as times to be still.)

Psalms 19:14
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight,O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

5. Random acts of kindness -- every day, send one positive/praising email to one person every day in social support network. (I will also send cards as well as look for small acts for those out side my network.)

Ephesians 4:32
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.


Mr. Achor claims that his research supports that this challenge rewires the brain to automatically look for the positive. My thought is that God brought this challenge to me so that I might look to Him for the changing of my attitude that He might rewire not only my brain but my heart. I am tired of looking through my tainted lens, I want to see His clear view of myself of others. He looks with kindness. He views with compassion the people I often treat with contempt. I want to see to it that sarcasm is no longer the second language in our household. Few things are as heartbreaking as hearing your six and nine year old mimic your sarcastic poisonous attitude. I want the positive light that Christ seeks to offer my family.

This summer our family will again embark on another hands on Bible Study. Our plans this year include 1 & 2 Timothy. Drawing our theme from 2 Timothy 2:3-5 -- "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules."

The plans are still developing, but we want to develop our character as good soldiers in Christ. A better attitude, rooted in His power will make a huge difference. Being trained to look for the positive, to see as God does, will go hand in hand with our study. Look for more posts to come as I begin this challenge. Join us if you'd like.

Flat Tire Faithful

I am constantly amazed at God's goodness and faithfulness. I notice it in the little things of life, but also in the big things. This weekend, I felt it in a flat tire. You may be asking how I can see God's goodness and faithfulness in such a dilemma. Please indulge me in telling my story.

On Sunday, my niece Lisa and I were leaving Columbus to go to Lafayette. It was late in the afternoon and we had not had lunch. We decided on Arby's at the Outlet Mall even though it was just past the I65 ramp on US 31. There was a bit of traffic backed up on US31 to turn into the mall and it took several minutes to even enter the Arby's parking lot. I was a little sleepy, a lot hungry and beginning to get cranky.

I did what all of us are prone to do. I started to complain when I was made to wait only a short time to place my order at the drive thru. Then I really broke out the sarcasm and grumbling when they took an inordinate amount of time to complete our order. When the our food finally came, I was in full blown complaint mode, because they did not have all of the items in our very simple order. UGH! To top it off, if getting into Arby's wasn't hard enough, getting out was even harder. More waiting.

Then I finally woke up and realized that God had a plan in the waiting. I turned to my niece and said "You know, God's timing is perfect. I know I shouldn't be complaining". "We are probably avoiding some accident or other issue by being here". Little did I know what God really had in store.

I finally began to relax and when it was my turn to pull into the traffic around the Outlet Mall, God gave me the wisdom to take an alternate route that saved us time and made exiting the mall a great deal easier. Relaxing and letting God have control of our time and our travel, I felt much better.

We eased on to I65 almost effortlessly. I was halfway into my sandwich and about four miles into our trip when I heard a loud looming noise. I asked my niece if she thought it was my car making the noise, but she didn't seem to think so. I could see a large pick up truck in my rear view mirror and began to think it might be the culprit. However as it passed us, I could tell this wasn't the truck. It was my car.

In a matter of mere seconds, the car began to lurch and pull to the right. The peace I had felt only moments ago, began to fade quickly. In God's grace, I was able to hit my hazard lights and guide the car carefully to the side of the road. That was the easy part actually.

In the moments that came next, I was filled with panic and yet tried to remain calm for my niece's sake. She could tell her side of the story, but I don't think I did as well as I could have done. I did let out a serious "Help us Jesus!" kind of prayer. The biggest concern for me was getting out of the car. Whew, people really drive fast and often without consideration of the people stuck on the side of the highway. A little public safety announcement: MOVE OVER when you see people on the shoulder of the highway. It is a law for a reason!

I got out to check the car and almost lost my car door to the serious wind people were creating as they whizzed passed us. Not to mention, I was wearing a dress (having just come from church and a meeting). I was seriously concerned I would have a Marilyn Monroe moment and my dress would be flying in the breeze.

Trying to keep my cool, I found that the tire was flat, in fact it was blown out. I decided on a course of action. I got back in the the passenger side of the car and asked my niece to call her father and tell him we were running behind. Then I called Troy to let him know. All the while grasping my AAA card preparing my next move. Somewhere along the way, I began praying again and felt the peace coming slowly back.

Troy instructed me not to call AAA, that he would be there shortly. I begged him not to bring the boys knowing that it was so dangerous on the shoulder of I65. He indulged me and said he would drop the boys off at his parents and be right there.

I began to unload my very full(of total unnecessary junk - in hindsight)trunk. So that the spare tire would be ready for Troy when he arrived. As I was unloading, the spare, I turned to see what appeared to be a tow truck with lights flashing on the approach. I wondered if it might be AAA and that perhaps one of the people whizzing passed me might have actually sent out an SOS on my behalf.

It didn't end up being AAA at all. It was a group of four Amity Volunteer Firefighters. They were sent by God in His faithfulness and in His perfect timing to rescue us. They had just finished fighting a fire when they saw us stranded on the side of the road and thought we could use some help.

I know that God sent them. He had a plan. He wanted me to trust Him. And though, moving forward in prayer was part of that plan, I could see that He timed this all just perfectly. The men changed the tire with expert speed, helped reload the trunk and then offered to guide me back on the highway and follow me to the next exit.

This was the greatest gift they could have offered me. Getting back on the highway especially not able to go full speed with the spare tire, would have been an even bigger nightmare than changing the tire. I was relieved. Flashing lights in my rear view mirror, I watched as they made the way for me to get back on the highway. What an awesome sight to see them shield me from the oncoming traffic. Traffic that was none to happy to be slowed down by my problems. The gracious firefighters followed me off the exit at Franklin. Making it sure that I made it to a safe place where Troy could meet me.

What a picture of God's goodness and faithfulness. Of His protection. Now when I hear the pastor say that "God goes before you and behind you". I will have a real frame of reference. The Amity Volunteer Firefighters were my example of the rear guard that the Bible speaks of in Isaiah 52:12

But you will not leave in haste
or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you,
the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

I am so blessed to serve a God that is Flat Tire Faithful. God doesn't promise all things in our life will go smoothly. There will be bumps in the road, sometimes quite literally. However, He will go before you, and behind you preparing the way. Guiding you in His perfect timing, if only you will let Him. What bumps are you complaining about? Have you considered they might be part of His perfectly timed plan?