Crossing New Horizons

No Training Wheels
Originally uploaded by MAPryor.

There comes a day when the training wheels are no longer appropriate, and you have to let go of that mental perception that limits you and tries to remind you that you are unable to move past the obstacle that hinders you.

For a child, learning to ride a bike without training wheels is quite a milestone to cross. Awhile back, Sheldon went to daddy and said, "I want you to take my training wheels off my bike." Of course, mom and dad were happy, but there was a part of me that simply did not want this change to occur. I wanted to shield Sheldon from the disappointment that he may experience should he lose his balance and fall. He was brave, but despite his best effort, his balance was off, his movements jerky, and his confidence a wee bit shaken. His fervent determination paid off and before the afternoon was over, he was triumphantly riding his bike! It was as if he forgot all about the training wheels, and he experienced a new landmark--the freedom of independence.

Are you standing at that precipice and wondering if you can take off the "training wheels?" Well, now is the time to cease worrying. "Do not fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praise shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." Phil. 4:4 (The Message Bible)

Let go and cross this new horizon--God is cheering you on!

My Dancing Partner-Happy Anniversary

388440526_7a4bfab486_o.jpg
Originally uploaded by MAPryor.

Marriage is a life-long dance with the one that you absolutely adore! You dance to a sweet, harmonious melody that only the two of you hear. It's a heart-felt secret that no one is privy to--it's your special song. Babe, I am so thankful that 13 marvelous years ago on March 26, 1994, you chose me to be your dancing partner! You are the most amazing, loving husband. My love for you just grows with each passing moment. Many times you have encouraged, motivated, and listened to me. You are forever my dancing partner. Happy Anniversary!

Wise Words Concerning Praise

doorknob
Originally uploaded by MAPryor.

"A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of a cell." C.S. Lewis

"Oh for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise, the glories of my God and King, the triumphs of grace!" Charles Wesley

Is your praise contingent upon your emotions? Are you stingy with your praise? If the right song is not being sung, do you forego offering praise unto your Heavenly Father? If your favorite song leader is not leading, do you cease to rejoice? If a negative situation comes your way do you pout and fail to offer up a sacrifice of praise? Psalm 63:4 reads, "I will PRAISE you as long as I live and in your name I will lift up my hands."

We are unable to praise and admire God enough. Praise is a simple act of gratitude; it is simply giving God the glory for everything that He has done for you. You might say, "Well He has not done anything for me lately." If you woke up this morning, He gave you breath, another day to live--that in and of itself is a miracle and worthy of praise. I'll end with this quote by Billy Graham, "The greatest form of praise is the sound of consecrated feet seeking out the lost and helpless."

You're The One

Auroral*
Originally uploaded by imapix.

Each day is a new horizan of hope--it's a day with no blemishes, a new beginning. With each day, I want to "...bless God with every chance I get; my lungs expand with His praise." (Psalm 34:1)

Last night was just one of those wonderful moments where a praise was swelling deep within me that I just had to testify. We were singing, "You're the One who brings my heart gladness; You're the One who takes away my pain; You're the One whose fresh and new each morning; my Joy in everday!' It's as if I was reminded that regardless of what situation I may face, God is there to give me joy, happiness, and peace. I was definelty laying down my cares and running to the Almighty One, the One who is splendid. For this same chapter of Psalms goes on to state: "Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all His goodness." Each day I am learning to trust God more and more. With each situation I face, I am learning to lay it down at the Master's feet, and simply trust Him to meet the need. For regardless of the report, we are able to overcome the obstacle--we are victorious! God is good all the time!!

Two Plus Three Equals Arturo, Jonathon and Sheldon

When we were still evangelizing, I use to wonder what it would be like to have children over for a night or even an afternoon. Now that wonder has become a reality. Sheldon has just experienced his first night with friends staying over his house! I can honestly say this experience has been enjoyable.

For dinner it was pizza, desert was homemade chocolate chip cookies, and bedtime was not until 12:00 midnight! They had fun just playing with toys and games. Finally, we read a book, said our goodnight prayer, and everyone settled down for the evening.

This morning, I awoke to the sound of kids talking and a toy gun popping, but it was great! Before I headed downstairs, I looked into his room and noticed toys everywhere, but this priceless mess is okay, because it's a reminder me that their evening was a fun-filled event.

Presently, they are playing in the yard, and I guess I should prepare breakfast which we all agreed would be pancakes with chocolate chips! I believe Mark and I will forego the chocolate chips and smother our pancakes with good old fashioned peanut butter and syrup. (Don't wrinkle your nose too quickly, peanut butter on pancakes is quite delicious.)

Our afternoon plan will consist of playing baseball and going to the park. Here, they will run off all their abounding energy until they are so tired and ready for an early bedtime. (I wonder about the early bedtime, but I can hope.)

Here's the conclusion of our day. We had a great game of baseball, ate McDonald's hamburgers, and swang on the tire swing. The boys were hilarious to watch as they spun around and around on the tire swing. They met some friends and enjoyed a playful gun fight, but most importantly they spent time with each other and had a fun day!

P.S. Jana, this summer I believe I'll be ready to have Blake stay the night. Maybe I can coax Bryn into staying the weekend with me.

Dinner With The Roseberrys

We just enjoyed dinner with Marcela and her three children. I am glad that someone came up with the idea of "Sloppy Joe's." Here's to another quick and easy meal. Around my house you always have to have some sort of veggie. Thankfully, all of the kids like broccoli. (Imagine that!)

Now, as I sit here I no longer hear the heartfelt laughter of the boys, the firing of make believe guns or stomping steps happily running up the stairs. They are the cutest rascals you will ever want to meet. Oh, and you cannot forget little Naomi. She is just too adorable. Keeping her entertained is quite comical. We just let her have free reign over the dishwasher, and she was one happy camper! Who needs toys from Toys-R-Us when you have pots, spoons, and a dishwasher.

Oh, I must run, I just heard the coffee maker beep letting me know that the coffee is ready. Drinking a cup of java is just one of those simple pleasures that I truly enjoy. I believe it would be more enjoyable with my wonderful husband, but since he is away for a short while, I guess it is coffee and piano practice for me! Wishing you, my reader, a lovely, relaxing evening.

Mayonnaise Jar And Two Cups of Coffee

I am sure that title caught your attention. Well, I just read this e-mail from my wonderful mother-in-law and had to post it. So, here it is:

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day is not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes. The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - God, family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions -- things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else -- the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

So... Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play With your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. "Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend." (And I say amen to that!)