Caution!

"Somebody stop me!" I think that's Jim Carrey's famous line from Ace Ventura, right? I'm really feeling that line in my own life lately.

Even more so since Romans 13:11 caught my attention today. I quote it from The Message for you: "But make sure that you don't get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God." Pretty intense, I think.

I get so caught up in what I'm doing or what the next thing I'm supposed to do is. I usually blame "our crazy city life." I was really convicted as I stopped to reflect on that verse. I don't take time to slow down. I don't take time to just stop and breathe. I don't stop to remember Christ. I don't stop to acknowledge Him. Is He really my everything? Is He really what my life is about?

I'm thinking about posting some of these signs around my house, maybe one in my car...just to give me a visual reminder that I need to stop, slow down and be mindful of Christ. These last 6-7 months, it's becoming more and more real to me that I am in control of my life. I've known that. But I haven't lived it. I'm in control of my thoughts. I'm in control of my actions. I don't always have to wait and just react. It's my responsibility to take the initiative and be mindful of Christ working in my life. It's my choice to be thankful. It's my choice to be happy. It's my choice.

But I can't make those good decisions if I don't slow down. So, here's to moving forward...slowly!

Counting

What a week it's been! Thanksgiving time with family (or at least some of them); the traditional Black Friday shopping and breakfast at Braum's with my parents; my father-in-law is admitted to the hospital for four days; and I had a tooth pulled yesterday.

I've been thinking a lot about, well, just a lot of things. The holiday season is here. I was just in awe last week as I listened to some of my clients, the younger ones. One has been missing school because he lost his only pair of shoes. The other said his mom wasn't cooking Thanksgiving dinner because she didn't have a pan for a turkey...and I suspect they didn't even have money to buy a turkey. The reasons for not having money for food are a whole other debate, but still, the kids had to miss out. That got me to thinking.

The kid that lost his only pair of shoes....how many pairs of shoes do I have in my closet. I've been too afraid to go in and count them. When I was shopping with my parent on Friday, we had brought along one of my cousins. She is 13. I was asking her what her family does for Christmas. She said, "Nothing." Her parents don't buy presents. She does get stuff from her grandma, so she's not completely without. But I felt like such a low-life. Here me and my parents are dragging her from store to store buying Christmas presents! Here we are making a big deal about what to get for who and what color and what size! Ok, she did want to come...but, seriously...what am I doing? Makes me not want to buy any presents. Makes me want to return the ones I already bought.

What are the holidays really about? Food? Gifts? Decorations? Credit card limits? Wrapping paper? Lights? Finding the perfect pumpkin? I don't want to be extreme, but I think I need to find in my own heart the reason I do what I do during the holidays. What am I teaching my own kids? "Make your list early, so we can find all the things you want!" Wow.

I think Christ wants me to remember Him first of all, and my family and be thankful for what I do have. He has given me so much. This has been a very trying year, but He has sustained me and provided for me...even through my stupidity and bad decisions. I am blessed. I have a husband who is an awesome man and so good to me. He is my best friend. What more could I ask for? I have three kids who have changed my life and who are way more gracious to me than I deserve. I have parents that are supportive and loving. I have a mother and father-in-law who are caring and so loving. I could keep listing these blessings! There are many!

Four of my blessings will arrive in Oklahoma on Friday! My sister, brother-in-law and niece and nephew are coming for a visit!! Woohooooo!!! I can't wait! I love my sister. I love my brother-in-law. I love Katie and Zach too. I can't wait to spend some time with them!