Good Courage

This week I stepped out of my comfort zone to take part in a Lip Sync Contest. I've done it before for a group of about 100 at work, but this time it was a regional conference with about 200 people in attendance. Why? I'm not sure. Perhaps it was to prove to myself that I could. Maybe it was to show others that it's okay to put yourself out there in order to give joy. Regardless, it was nerve-wracking and fun at the same time. 

Some people will never challenge themselves beyond their comfort zone. You know, most of the time I fly under the radar, sit back and observe. However, there's not much growth in those situations. When you want or desire a change, it seems that you must do something a little scary. It doesn't necessarily mean getting up in front of a group. (I'll admit that is a little extreme!) Perhaps it's just introducing yourself to someone new or signing up for your first 5K or inviting someone to church, even though they've declined more times than you can recall. 

Ask God to put on your heart what He wants you to do.

Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord. 

A Joyful Week

What started out as a normal, hum-drum week, turned into a very joyful week. I began Monday frustrated with work. Too many errors in a project that needed to be error-free was beginning to get me down. On Wednesday I had to drive to Macon for a system meeting and that turned the entire week around. The meeting ended early, but in the room I had access to several of the people from other agencies who sat with me and looked at my errors. We came up with a plan and although it will take a bit of work, I think it is doable so that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

The remainder of the work week was spent on that project with some significant success. :) Friday I walked in to a decorated office because my birthday was on Saturday. That was super cool! I even had some of my office mates watch me practice a lip sync routine. (I'll tell you about that next week.) Their advice was much appreciated because I definitely want to do well for the real thing.

Saturday I celebrated my birthday. In the 30 minutes before I turned 53, I started training for my first 5K. Wow, it's going to take some effort and determination! But it's for a good cause and I don't want to walk the whole thing. 

My mom cooked me a gluten-free, wheat-free, milk-free cake. For someone who can't eat those things, the cake was wonderful! She even decorated it like she did when I was younger and Dad helped by cleaning up (aka eating up) any extra icing. :D  My sister came and we all enjoyed some fun chill time. :)

Sunday I was thrilled when my son came to sit with me at church. Afterward, we went out for lunch. I love this time we spend together because I know he'll be off to college very soon. <3

With my post this week, I'll say that I'm making a joyful noise because only God could work all of this out!

Psalm 100:1-2 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 

Getting Excited

Sometimes winter is just winter. It's cold, and with no snow it seems to drag on. This week we were treated to two days when the temps climbed above 70! Quite a change from the 20 degree temps just the week before. It was warm; it was beautiful; and it was just what I needed to get me motivated. I walked outside and basked in the most perfect weather since last fall.

I also spent some time cleaning out my garage (a major undertaking that still isn't complete!). I sold a couple of things I couldn't use and set aside things to donate. It'll be nice to be able to walk through the garage without stepping over something or banging my shin on a box. :)

Another project I'm excited about is something my church is doing on March 2nd and 3rd. It's a Make a Difference Weekend for our community in which we will feed 5,000 people by delivering a box of food to 1250 homes that are food insecure. What does that mean? Well, they don't have the resources to keep food in their pantry. They live and work week to week in hopes of having enough food to feed their families. 

John 21:15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than there?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs."

I am excited about this service project! For only $30 we will be able to purchase a box of food that will feed a family of four for a week! If you are interested in joining me, check out the project online or send me an email at CrossSums@gmail.com. 

Snow Day

The schools in our area closed last Tuesday, basing the decision on the predicted snow/ice that was headed our way. I was so thankful to be out that day. The previous one had been a long 12 hour day traveling to and from a meeting in Macon. I was more than happy to turn off my alarm clock and stay inside while the temperatures took a nosedive that afternoon. Even with no bad weather, the kids were thrilled to be at home, even if they had to do "school from home." I also had time to cook a meal so that we weren't stopping for take-out at the end of busy day. I did decide to work from home for about 4 hours to get me in a good position to start work on Wednesday. 

Do you know what I noticed most? I was able to work uninterrupted. That was kind of eye opening. I knew I was interrupted a lot during my work day, but I never really realized all of the ways. I have phone calls, walk-ins, instant messages, and emails from on and off campus. I understood how little I get done the next day when I began with a plan in mind and made very little progress because of interruptions.

I'm now considering limiting my availability. Perhaps I should only look at my emails a few times a day instead of every time one arrives. Perhaps I should put a "Do Not Disturb" on my instant messenger a few times each day. Maybe close my door on occasion. But that's just for work. I get just as distracted at home. The phone, the email, the TV, and various forms of entertainment sometimes keep me away from more important things. Time with God. Time with family. Time with others. 

Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand. 

It's past time for the Lord to re-order my steps.