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Thursday, May 9, 2013

Recently Published Articles...

May 9, 2013

Since I don't know any other way to do this, I am posting the links to 2 of my recently published articles. I hope you enjoy them...

http://www.eastmountaindirectory.com/articles/Schwebach-Farm-A-Family-Tradition-a66.html

This first one, published in East Mountain Living Magazine, is about a wonderful, godly homeschooling family living in Moriarty, NM. They own and operate Schwebach Farm. Here you can find the BEST produce available on this side of the mountain! Not to mention some sweet and edifying conversation :). Visit any of their roadside stores or the farm store in Moriarty during the harvest season, August-October. 

http://occupational-therapy.advanceweb.com/Editorial/Content/Editorial.aspx?CC=267489

This next one is an article on Zero Balancing that was published in Advance for Occupational Therapy Practitioners. As you may know, I am an occupational therapist with a small private practice in Tijeras, NM. Ideally, this article should be on my health and wellness blog, but since that one is still getting underway, I posted it here. 

Thank you for visiting!
God Bless!
Jeanne

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Letting go...


May 1, 2013


On the first day of every month this year, I have been astounded that it arrived so quickly. Today, May 1st, is no different. The speed at which each new month presents itself is so staggering that I can hardly keep up. In fact, I feel as though I have been tossed from a boat; It is slowing down to let me catch up and I am swimming as fast as I can to reach it, but it eludes me, continually. I am certain that I am not alone in this. 

Why, especially as women, do we find ourselves in this free-fall, this constant state of perpetual "behind-ness"? When I see a friend in a frenzied state, taking on too much, I tell them, "When your plate gets too full, it's not OK to just get a bigger plate so you can pile on more stuff!" So now, as I find myself feeling stressed and burdened, I remember that witty advice... Is it applicable to my current state? I think I have to say, "no, not this time." Although, as a family, we have just finished several commitments, when I look at what is requiring my attention, my plate really isn't too full (my husband may beg to differ). As I contemplated what could be amiss, I realized that some of what I was choosing to take on, may not be the best things for me. Whoa! Light bulb moment!

Is it possible (yes) that we sometimes continue to do things for the simple reason that, we have always done them? We've gotten used to them? This isn't very healthy, that's for sure. I think it is wise for us to re-evaluate our commitments from time to time and weed out what is no longer productive. What are we giving our time to? What is taking away from our children and our spouses? What purpose does it serve? Did it start out being a good and edifying thing, and now it's sucking the life out of you? Maybe it's time to let go of that obligation. When we hold on to things that have served their purpose, they have a tendency to become toxic in our lives. Even if they are "good" things.. holding on to them past their time may be preventing God from blessing us in another way. 

I know there are seasons of catching up, but I don't want that to define me. I would hope to enjoy the blessings the Lord has given me, especially my family. I would hope to be involved in things that help others and bring honor to God. I would hope to be able to be a good steward over what He has given me and to be joyful all the while. Joyful...Hhhhmm.... Are we being joyful as we handle the things on our plate? That may be the deciding factor. Not, "are you happy about what you're doing?" But, rather, "Are you joyful in your journey?" 

As I pray for wisdom and discernment while examining the contents of my plate, I will surely ask whether I can continue a given activity with a godly attitude, a happy heart, as unto the Lord. 

I apologize for the brevity and possible lack of depth in this post. It is because I have had a stomach bug imposed upon me for three days, and I probably should be resting ;)

I pray your plate will be overflowing with joyful blessings from the Lord!

Be well. Live well. Love abundantly.
Jeanne




Wednesday, April 24, 2013

For Love or Money?

April 24, 2013

I hope this post finds you all well and healthy!

Disclaimer: This post includes ideas that may be deemed old-fashioned and out dated by some. Please do not take offense ;) It's just food for thought, not fuel for debate. 

Regarding career choices, my husband and I have always advised our children to decide what they love doing, then find a way to get paid for it. This way, your work doesn't seem like work, and you'll love your job. Sounds reasonable, right? Well, lately I have been wondering if this is really sound advice. Particularly for young men. After all, they are the ones who will be supporting a wife and family someday.

A trusted friend recently brought to my attention that, as of late, it appears that more and more young men are engaged in the process of "finding themselves" .. dabbling in music, art, etc., instead of developing careers that can support themselves and a family one day. Some are content to live at home for extended periods, not working, or working minimum wage jobs, while they "get their dream off the ground." 

I am not taking a stand on either side here, I am just thinking out loud, really. Back to my friend... she suggested that it may be better for a young man to choose a career that will earn him a decent income, so he can then afford to pursue his hobby on the side, instead of trying to make the hobby, the career. That also puts him in a better position to support himself and his future family. She says, it's called work for a reason; you don't have to love it, you just have to do it. 

My husband and I are now at the half century mark... when he chose his career path all those years ago, he chose something he had already been doing, and enjoyed doing,  since he was a teenager and because of his steadfastness, hard work and diligence, he has had (and continues to) a successful run. I, on the other hand, am not as... well... what's the word?... um, I'm a bit more scattered than my husband. Yeah, that's it - wink, wink. I was not able to pursue my first career choice. I wanted to be a severe storm meteorologist. As you probably can guess, that would have required a move out of state to a place where they actually have severe storms. For several reasons, that was not an option at the time (that's ok, I have the Weather Channel now). Plan B was initiated and I chose something I thought would be fun. I feel like, why would I do it if it's not fun? Which goes back to the advice in paragraph one. It was a lot of fun... and very stressful! Partially because of my personality type and partially because it was the nature of the business.  

I think my husband's theory was, "if I work hard, it will pay off and the money will come." For me it was, "I'd rather do something fun and if the money doesn't come, at least I'll still be having fun." Polar opposites, right? I never really thought about that until this very second when I wrote it! 

Through God's blessings and the support of my husband, I was able to initiate plan C - get a college degree (I did the 8-year, 4-year degree plan). I really tried to choose a career path for the money. I just couldn't do it. I couldn't imagine spending time doing something that was the equivalent of watching paint dry. In hindsight, I know God led me into a well paying field where I could be creative, that was flexible and conducive to having a family, and where I could help people achieve their maximum potential. Oh, and it's really fun too!

Plan D, or really plan co-C, because they go together, is what I am doing right now - writing. Writing truly feeds my soul! I feel like it's what I was meant to do. It's what I can do all day long without giving a thought to eating, drinking, preparing meals (sorry family), an uncomfortable chair, a crick in the neck... whatever. Day can turn into night and, as long as it's quiet, I can continue writing. I realized I had a knack for this writing thing in College English class. I never considered being a writer, however (because the reason I was in college in the first place was to pursue plan C - hello!). Oddly enough, I started writing professionally, for the money, right out of the gate. I queried (I didn't even know that's what it was called at the time) a magazine about a sport my oldest son was involved in and, bam! I had a regular column for two years. That led to many other freelance opportunities that continue today, thank the Lord! 

I appear to have digressed a bit. The question still remains.. how should one choose a career? For love or money? It seems that my husband and I made choices from completely different frames of reference, and they both worked. However, mine may not have been possible if not for the consistent support of my super awesome and dedicated husband. Neither of us were Christians back then, so my advice now would be... prayerfully consider your choices and then do it. You have to start somewhere. That doesn't mean that's what you'll do forever, it just means, that's what you'll do for now - until God leads you down a different path.

Another wise friend told me that God already knows what our children are going to do, we just need to teach them and guide them according to His Word. 

Well this was fun!  God bless you all!

Jeanne

Be well. Live well. 

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Taking a Stand...

April 23, 2013

Hello dear ones,

I believe that there comes a season in the life of every Christian when they can no longer sit on the sidelines loving Jesus and being, dare I say, complacent. There comes a time when, as a believer in Christ, one must take a stand on issues that are uncomfortable, controversial, and may often times bring about some form of persecution.  While, like many of you, I have had strong convictions on various issues for many years now, I have recently found myself challenged on many fronts. The media challenges my beliefs and convictions daily; for this reason, I restrict my viewing time of the major news networks. But, on a personal front, that is not always possible. I don't have the luxury of just turning it off. Even in the "Christian realm"  I find differing beliefs and/or those unwilling to stand up for things that would bring honor to God and against things that would dishonor Him, and violate our own consciences. I don't think this is a matter of politics, either. It's a matter of Biblical ethics and morality.

For instance, I recently took a verbal stand on abortion (not the first time, of course). I thought it obvious that anyone who knew me would know that I am pro-life. Apparently, not. Because of my stand, hurtful and inaccurate assumptions were made about my character, such as, I lead an entitled life, I haven't suffered, I cannot relate to someone who has either had an abortion or is considering one, I am heartless to consider abortion murder, and so on. It struck me that tolerance is preached like a religion until someone speaks against a particular belief... then who is being intolerant? 

I think we, as Christians, have a responsibility to take a stand (in love) on certain issues. What if the founding fathers would have been complacent and not risked their lives for the freedom we enjoy today? What if David had said, "I'm just a kid, let someone else take a stand against the giant"? And if Nehemiah said, "I don't want to get involved in that building project"? Or Jesus...what if He said, "Die?? I don't think so!" 

I  finished reading through the old testament book of Nehemiah a month or so ago, then our church began a series in the same book. From this book, I was encouraged that it is OK and right to take a stand for convictions and beliefs; to fight for freedoms and for rights. In chapter 4, verse 14b, Nehemiah says to the people, "... Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." We are in God's army. We have a job to do. He will direct our paths, we just have to be willing. 

On Sunday, our pastor made reference to wearing a "tool belt/holster" combo, which was hysterical at the time, but a great word picture, simultaneously.  While we are busy about the Lord's work, using the tools with which He has equipped us - repairing a broken culture, helping those in need, etc. We must also be ready to stand and fight when necessary - to defend the family, the sanctity of marriage and of life, etc. Our pastor went on to say that we should be like an Oklahoma University t-shirt said some years ago, "25 guys pulling on the same rope." Meaning, we need to be a church of people all working together (or standing together) toward the same goal (using different tools). 

Attending our state homeschool conference last week, opened up another avenue of thought on taking a stand. Should we, as Christians, support or patronize businesses that fund and/or support causes that dishonor God and violate our conscience? Take that a step further, what about businesses that are blatantly hostile to our faith and beliefs? The speaker stated that they, as a company, graciously decline business with such entities, but they do commit to pray for them.

I believe we need to approach the work the Lord has prepared for us, with courage. As we take a stand, we can know, without hesitation, that we are standing on the promises of our God. His grace is sufficient! He will give us everything we need for the battle! He will never leave us or forsake us! From the book of Joshua, we can draw courage. Chapter 1, verse 9b says, "...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." 

Take a stand Christian, you are not alone!

God's richest blessings,
Jeanne

Be well. Live well.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Stillness


Hello Friends!

I love receiving daily messages from Lamplighter. They are usually so full of wisdom. In this particular one, The writer was explaining a situation where his "impatient verbose spirit" had once again reared its ugly head. How I immediately related to that! I didn't even have to ponder, "hhhmmm... I wonder if I ever do that." Sometimes I will be formulating (and offering) my response  before a person has even finished talking. He then quoted something by Francois Fenelon, that struck me in a profound way:

"I think . . . that you should try hard now to practice silence . . . Silence promotes the presence of God, prevents many harsh and proud words, and suppresses many dangers in the way of ridiculing or harshly judging our neighbor. Silence humbles the mind, and gradually weans it from the world; it will supply all that you need . . ." 


Ouch! comes to mind... those words parallel one of my favorite verses, Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God." I love this verse, but do I ever do it? Not often enough. I love the thought of being still and resting confidently in the promises of God. Just saying,"Be still", quiets the mind. Try it, seriously. You may almost be able to hear your heart beat. Your cares, for the moment at least, are set aside as you fully trust and rest in the presence of the Lord. 

Practicing silence keeps one from foolish words, mindless chatter, and harsh responses. It may allow one to shift the focus from the speaker, to the hearer, assessing how they might receive and interpret the spoken words. Will the words build up, edify, and point the hearer to Christ? Or, are they just to get your point across, to be heard, to elevate yourself?

I am not an expert by any means. These are just some of the things that personally convicted me after reading the words by Francois Fenelon.  I pray this may bless you as it did me.

God bless you!

Be well. Live well.
Jeanne


Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Pride and Contentment

Yes, it's true. 2 posts in one day!  I want to share a couple of thoughts on pride and contentment. Scripture says that God hates pride. When listing the 7 things God hates, pride is actually mentioned twice. So, obviously believers should not take that lightly. God knew we would struggle with pride - it is not a surprise to Him. In a commentary on Psalms in my NIV Study Bible, this is said about pride:

"Pride results from overvaluing ourselves and undervaluing others. It leads to restlessness because it makes us dissatisfied with what we have and concerned about what everyone else is doing." A dear friend used to always say, "comparison kills contentment." How can I focus on what God has for me to do, if I'm looking around at everyone one else wondering why they have it so good. That says, "I deserve better," which actually means, "God, you don't know what You're doing...I need fill in the blank and You're not giving it to me." Pride and discontentment!

In Psalm 131, David says, "Quiet trust in God is the basis for my contentment." He goes on to say, "But I have stilled and quieted my soul..." I love that! David, a king and mighty warrior "stills" and "quiets".  It made me reflect on the busyness of my life. Even if I'm not running around to 150 places, my thoughts are often racing, preventing me from being still and quiet. We need to consciously do that so we can hear God and focus on the right thing.

 I resolved to stop complaining and comparing (it's a work in progress) and even asked for accountability within my family - ouch! My oldest son gently reminded me on Sunday that I was having a spirit of discontent as I was talking about all the changes I wanted to make to our home and property. He recognized that it had gone beyond, "Oh, wouldn't it be nice to do this or that?" to an attitude of, "I can't be happy unless this or that is changed." Thanks son! I needed that.

Be blessed, bless others and live well!
Jeanne

Reflections and Faith

Good morning dear ones!

Let me start off with... some writer I am! I knew it would be a monumental challenge to keep up with this blog, and writing in general, I am embarrassed to say! If only my plans could initiate themselves and my ideas, facilitate their own movement, and my words, transport to the paper effortlessly... if only...  Well, back to reality :) I will not give up!

It is a beautiful day here in the mountains east of Albuquerque. We are drying out after a weekend of snow and rain which means I can start cleaning up all the mud that made it's way into our house on the paws of our pups and the boots of our men. We are all enjoying the warmth of the sun. The cats are soaking it up in the window as we watch my youngest son, in a t-shirt, dig a hole for the electric gate. The ground is finally thawed enough to dig - yay!

I know it's March and it's a little late for New Year reflections, but then again, I'm always late. I thought I'd share a snip-it from a January 2013 journal entry.

"I am always so encouraged by a new year, with new plans, hopes and ideas. I'ts refreshing, exciting and invigorating! I love change and newness! I always have hopes of Spiritual revival in my home - that we would all hear the Call and step up to do what God would have us do. That we would be closer to Him this year than last (I go on to pray for each member of my family individually). I am excited to begin serving the youth at our church. I, like Daniel, purpose in my heart to always speak the truth in love, even when it's unpopular. I will always point them to the Living Water, but never water down the Gospel. I will be sensitive to the hearer, but never "seeker sensitive." I will serve the One True God, not 2 masters. I will seek peace, but not at the expense of the Gospel. I am thankful to God for this opportunity to serve completely out of my comfort zone, and participate in the good deeds He planned for me before the creation of the earth. My prayer is that people will see that and glorify my Father in Heaven."

Be well in this day the Lord has provided.
Jeanne