When Your To-Do List is Too Long

You do not want to hear my to-do list for the next few weeks.
It's scary and unending. I'm usually busy, but now I'm extra-busy.
In fact, I really don't even have time to be writing this, but if I read one more article on childhood vaccinations- I may just throw this water bottle sitting on my desk... :)

The thing about to-do lists is they make me stressed. I think about every single little thing that has to get done. I have to study, I have to work, I have to babysit, I have to say Yes to absolutely everything, I have to go here and then hurry and go there... I have to practice and read this book and write that essay.. And at some point I'm supposed to eat, sleep, and live a healthy life.

I have all these things I have to do. And sometimes, it becomes so common that it stops feeling like living. And feels more like prison. I know it's not. I'm just saying that sometimes it feels like it.

To-do lists make me feel so very tiny, like I never accomplish anything.

So, how about making an It's-Done list? 
Things that have already been accomplished.. 
Trials that God has already brought us through..
Miracles He's already performed..

It's-Done:
*an essay
*Science test
*clean room
*redeemed, debt-is-paid
*wrapped in His goodness and grace

I could go on, but you get the idea.

My point is that God is always working in our lives, despite how long our To-Do lists are.
And it's important to take a few minutes and reflect on all that He has already done.

There's a Psalms that I just absolutely love and you should go read the entire thing. But I'm going to post two verses as a quote for this post.

I told myself that every time I got stressed or worried, I would write this verse down:

Though You have made me see troubles, many and bitter, 

You will restore my life again;

from the depths of the earth You will again bring me up. 

You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.

                                                          ~Psalms 71:20-21

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the verse and/or making an It's-Done list...

Feel free to comment as "Anonymous" and then just put your initials or name at the end of your comment.

Blessings...

Please, Never Stop Giving

Quote:

“One thing I ask of you: Never be afraid of giving. There is a deep joy in giving, since what we receive is much more than what we give.” ~Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa: 

Mother Teresa was born on August 26, 1910 and died on September 5, 1997. In her 87 years of life, she came to be one of the most admired women in the world. This wasn’t because she was a celebrity, with millions of dollars- but because she cared. She cared for the poorest of the poor. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, but asked that the $192,000 (which I’m assuming was the prize money) be given to poor people in India.

Thoughts: 

Giving. Compassion. They are such beautiful words. There really is an unspeakable joy that comes when you give of yourself. I like giving to others and be sneaky about it. 

One time, I was at IHOP, and I heard this single mom ask about a special they were having for some kids meal. The waitress explained that the special was actually over already. The mom's face broke my heart as she looked for something cheaper to order for herself so she could afford her and her daughter's meal. I took $10 out of my wallet and went up to the front, where you pay for your meal. I asked the host to please tell that woman to order whatever she wanted, because her meal was covered. I also asked the host to not say that the money came from me. I'm not saying this to brag, rather to tell you, PROMISE you, that you will get an incredible joy from giving to someone else.

When we give, we are sacrificing our own desires and needs for someone else. 

Giving is a hands-and-feet-of-Jesus-kinda-thing. 

Relevance:  

I feel that everyday there are opportunities to give, to bless, to inspire. Most times we just move too quickly to notice.  Compassion is contagious. 

I dare you to do something for someone else today. 

The day is not over yet- there is still time. 

Hold the door open, fold that basket of clothes, unload the dishwasher. 

Leave a big tip, use kind words, and smile at that person you always see on your way to work. It’s usually not anything big or earth-shattering; it’s just something simple. 

But the simple things add up, though it’ll feel more like they’re multiplying. 

Trust me.

Going to put some dishes away now... What will you do? 

If you'd like to comment on this blog and don't want to create a username...

Click "Anonymous" as the way to leave the comment.

And then, at the end of your comment, just leave your first name or initials- 

some way for me to know who you are :) 

I'll leave a comment- so you can see what I mean!

Remember: I want to hear your thoughts on the quote! Does it remind you of something? What will you do to bless someone today?

Feel free to share! I'm trying to create an online community here...

Blessings...

Vanessa

Expect Some Changes!

Okay guys, anyone who reads this...

I won't be posting any new posts for a little while, as I'm working on my first book! I'm beyond excited to start what I'm sure will be a long process. However, it's a dream of mine. And I'm finally done talking about it. I'm ready to just do it.

But I don't want to stop this blog at all. 

So instead of completely disappearing, I'd like to change it up a little bit. 

I'm going to post a scripture verse or a quote (perhaps one you've never heard before!) and talk about it a little bit. My thoughts on the quote, some background on the person who said it, and how it relates to us... today.


Here comes the cool part:

I don't just want my thoughts.

I want yours, too.

I want to hear your thoughts on the quote! Do you like it? 
Does it remind you of another quote or verse or sermon you've heard before?
How can YOU apply it to your life?

It doesn't have to be long or super spiritual. Just real.

All I ask, is that you speak life and encouragement. 
Please, please, don't bash something that another person person comments on... 
This is not a place to dump all your opinions about someone else's opinions. 
I really can't stand that kind of stuff.

I'm excited! I'm excited to hear what you have to say :)

I'll post my first quote tomorrow- so be on the lookout for it! 

(I'll explain how to comment without having to set up a user name and all that jazz...)