Are You Hiding Sparse Areas?

I have a very important tradition every year that drives my family crazy...I have to find the *perfect* Christmas tree. This year our hunt was way behind schedule due to our trip to the Packers game. So this afternoon, I got up out of my sick bed so we could find it. As we pulled up to our normal lot it looked like they were tearing it down. The man said, "All trees are $20.00 and you have until sundown, we're closing shop." Woah...we just made it! As I went through row by row of the tiny, sparsely branched trees, I became discouraged, asking one of the workers, "Do you have any large trees left hidden in the back or something?" "No, this is about it," he replied. I continued back and forth, having my son, little Josh, grab one just in case I couldn't find anything better. I finally narrowed it down to three best of the worst, giving in to the tallest one. Once we got home it looked even worse than I anticipated. The hubby tried to console me when he noticed the dismayed look on my face by saying, "It'll look better once we get it decorated." But there were too many bare spots to try to hide. So we rotated it to camouflage the worst parts and shoved it up against the wall. 

Friends, my poor empty branched tree reminded me of what I'd done for years in my own life. I tried to fix the outside while camouflaging the empty areas in my heart and soul that were in dire need of mending and growth. Year after year I put up a great front, but inside I was wilting. All my hiding began to become very apparent to those closest to me. I needed to make some big changes. 

So today because of this reminder I'm choosing to be thankful for this less than perfect tree! I'm thankful that when I decided to stop trying to hide, opening up my emptiness to JESUS, giving HIM access to all of my brokenness, I no longer felt the need to hide my flaws. HE took my less than and filled me with more of HIS Love and Forgiveness, causing growth in every area of weakness..the very things HE already knew I was lacking.

Friends, are you hiding sparse areas? Join me in continually taking it all to The LORD in prayer. We don't need to attempt to conceal...HE already knows. Let's expose those flaws to the Unconditional, Restoring Love and Light of CHRIST. 

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."~John 15:5

Jump on the Thankful Train...what are you thankful for?

Shorts, Dresses and Board Shorts YES!

It's getting to be that time of year, the sun is now shining it's been slowly warming up and my family is wanting to hit the beach. This now officially puts me in PANIC mode. Another year of swearing that I will work out early and be "beach ready" is shot. I have not worked out at all. I usually at least try to work out at home a little bit to get rid of the jiggle. Nope not even that!

So as the Fourth of July approaches, I get to try and find something that hides my body for our annual bike ride and beach trip. I've been a little excited that those really long dresses with sandals are popular this year. But that wont do for our bike ride. I guess I'll need to find some extra long shorts to hide the "special" areas.

Here's a few options for you ladies who may have run into the same procrastination problem that I have.










See it's all in how you camouflage the areas...so if your panicking too, head out and pick your self up a few of these "MUST HAVE" items!

Uplifting Poem- PUSH AHEAD

I always try to post something uplifting and encouraging in my Blog, however my previous post was a little out of the ordinary. I have been going through a tough situation lately and really needed to get some things off of my chest. I felt bad after I wrote it and thought I need to re-post the poem I wrote for my son...and read it again myself, hope you find it inspirational!

PUSH AHEAD

Your courage and strength is your crowning glory

They can never take away your personal story

You and God determine your destination

Push ahead, without hesitation

Try as they might to break your spirit

Your heart and faith will keep you in it

Believe in yourself and your path will be clear

Push ahead, your dreams are so near

Fear and doubt will creep inside

You sometimes want to just run and hide

You’re scared of failure and all it entails

Push ahead, and you will not derail

The road ahead seems long and tough

The twists and turns sometimes seem too rough

Your goals are worth the struggle ahead

Push ahead, your hopes and dreams are worth the tread

Reach high above and look toward the sky

It sometimes takes just one more try

Your steps are sure and your way is clear

Push ahead, and you’ll overcome your greatest fear

Perseverance is what it will take to shape and mold

You and God will decide what your future will hold

All your dreams inside are about to unfold

Push ahead, the story of your life is yet to be told