Feb22

Finding Something You Like

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I want to encourage you to find something you like. What sort of thing(s) put a smile on your face? Do you enjoy drawing? Writing? Singing? Music? Baking? Etc…etc…

What I have come to realize is that we often times allow life to just happen. Life is busy, and will rush on by in the blink of an eye. It is of paramount importance to take “me” time sometimes – even if it isn’t for a huge block of time. Put yourself as a priority. Make time for you.

It may be something simple. For me, I have found creativity is a big outlet for me. I enjoy writing. I enjoy singing, and playing music. I enjoy drawing, and also painting. As I make time for any of these things, sometimes just a few moments, I feel at peace.

During the hustle and bustle of a very busy life, take time for you. Take time to sit back, relax, and do something you like.

Feb22

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Snow Plows

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Today as I set out to run a few errands and get to the store, I was leery. I absolutely love winter weather, especially the beautiful white stuff (snow) that blankets the ground. I do NOT, however, enjoy driving when the road conditions are less than optimal.

Several times last night, we heard the snow plows out and about. It made me very happy to see the product of their efforts. As I drove to the store, I did not slip and slide. Instead, I was able to drive on clean streets.

As simple as it seems, yes – today, I am grateful for snow plows – and especially their drivers that tirelessly make our streets safe. If you are or know of a snow plow driver – know you have my gratitude!

Feb21

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Resolve

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I am thankful today for ongoing and continued resolve.

There is nothing in this life that is worthy of your giving up.  I do not mean a bad habit, or anything of that nature. (Those, I firmly believe you also have the strength to deal with as well though.) Instead, I’m referring to those things that may have you shaking your head – wondering if life is worth it, or will ever change. I mean, you. Don’t ever even consider giving up on yourself.  You are worth fighting for.

The ongoing resolve screams “keep going” even in the face of uncertain circumstances.

My friends, if you find yourself with any of these thoughts or similar struggles today, I encourage you to reach out.  Though you may at times feel lonely, I want to assure you – you are not alone. You do not have to walk through life alone. If you’d like to talk about it, please let me know. You can post below in comments or send me a message via my “contact me” page.

Feb20

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For The Sword Of The Spirit

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Do you know what the Sword of the Spirit is? Do you know how vital to your own survival it is? I urge you to take a few minutes and watch this video. It is the final installment of the Spiritual Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) series from Skyline Church.

Feb19

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful For Perspective

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Today I saw something online that really caught my eye. This really speaks volumes to me – for many reasons. I was grateful today to just see this perspective explained. It really is true. I encourage you to read and really understand the message below.

A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the “half empty or half full” question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: “How heavy is this glass of water?”

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.”

She continued, “The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Thhink about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything.”

It’s important to remember to let go of your stresses. As early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don’t carry them through the evening and into the night. Remember to put the glass down!

Wise, wise words – my friends. Take this message with you and remember it always.

If you are at a place right now where you’re finding it hard to hold on, or where holding onto something is hurting you – please don’t hesitate to reach out. YOU are worth it. Your heart and your emotions – so very worth it. Sometimes there are things in our life that hurt us, and it might seem painful even to put those things down. You might be holding onto someone, or even a relationship that causes you pain. It might be time to put that glass down. Allow yourself the opportunity to heal. Don’t hold onto things so tightly, and for so long that it multiplies and causes such pain and heartbreak.

If you are at that place right now, know that you are not alone. If you’d like to talk about it, to ask for prayer or to just plain vent – don’t hesitate to comment in the comments below, or send me a message via my contact me page. I’ll look forward to connecting.

Feb18

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful That Somebody Is Praying Me Through

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Yesterday, I wrote an open and honest account of how I was feeling – and just the emotions that surrounded that. I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to read – but more than that, for taking the time to pray. Please know you have my gratitude. I have received words of support and encouragement from many of you – and I am grateful more than there are words. This is the beginning to a beautiful new day. In fact, I already shared one blog post that talks about a song that means a great deal to me. It’s referenced in this title as well. Knowing that you are not alone – and that you have people to lean on when you don’t feel the strength to stand firm on your own — that, my friends, is what the body of Christ is all about.

So, it is with gratitude that I say thank you for being part of the many “somebody’s” who are praying me through. Our God is good. He is faithful 100% of the time. His hands are not small that they cannot reach me. All of the things from yesterday are still real, and still there. However, with God – and the beautiful people He’s blessed me to do life together with – I am still standing. All these things are in His hands.

Thank you for your friendship and support – but especially for your prayers. Please connect and let me know how I can be praying with you as well! It’s an honor to do life with you.

Feb18

Spotlight On Allen Asbury: Somebody’s Praying Me Through

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There is a song that a good friend of mine shared with me recently. It has come to mean the world to me. The song title speaks for itself: Somebody’s Praying Me Through. This song, like so many beautiful songs, has the potential to reach you exactly where you are.

When I recently found myself facing some pretty unsure circumstances, this song made it’s way to my email inbox. It could not have come in better timing. This song (lyrics below) helps you remember and simply know that somebody is praying me through. And, as the song also states – somebody is praying YOU through also. You don’t always know who, but there is someone who cares enough to pray. Don’t EVER feel like you’re walking through this life (or your struggles) alone.

You may feel as if your heart has been broken – again, and again. You may look at yourself in the mirror, not fond of what you see. You may sometimes believe that life isn’t worth fighting for, and that it won’t ever change. You may be hurting in a way hard to put into words. You may be facing health concerns out of your control. You may have a laundry list of things in your life that you feel like are helping you feel apart.

HOWEVER, do not lose track of the FACT that somebody is praying you through. You are NOT alone. You ARE worth fighting for. YOU are beautiful. And, somebody is praying you through. Never, NEVER lose track of that thought.

If you are in that place of struggling, feeling broken or just need a friend – please feel free to post below in comments, or send me a message through my “contact me” page. I’m human, not perfect, but have much love. It’s an honor to walk through life with you. If you need to know somebody’s praying you through – know that I am, or will be if you reach out.

To Allen – I just wanted to say thank you for following the heart of God, and for this song. You have many songs that speak volumes as to God’s love. This particular song has met me right where I am, so to speak, time and time again. You have my gratitude.

The song lyrics:
SOMEBODY’S PRAYING ME THROUGH

Pressing over me like a big blue sky
I know someone has me on their heart tonight
That’s why I know it’s gonna be alright
‘Cause somebody’s praying me through
Somebody’s praying me through

It may be my Mother, it might be my Dad
Or an old friend I’ve forgot I had
But whoever it is I’m so glad that
Somebody’s praying me through
Somebody’s praying me through

Through the tears, through the rain
Through the sorrow, through the pain
It keeps bringing me through
Over and over again

So when you’re drowning in a sea of hurt
And it feels like life couldn’t get any worse
There’s a blessing waiting to push back the curse
‘Cause, somebody’s praying you through Oh…
Somebody’s praying you through Oh…

Somebody… somebody is, Praying
Oh… Somebody is, Someone Somewhere

Someone got down on their knees and prayed for me
Somebody’s, praying
Somebody’s praying… you through

Feb17

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful For A Reminder – It’s Okay To Not Always Be Okay

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Yes, it’s true. It’s okay to not always be okay. There are times in all our lives that life isn’t perfect. It’s what we do during those times that dictate how the next 20 minutes (or day/week/month) will go. This is on my heart because I just realized how not okay I am right now. Don’t get me wrong. I will be fine. This happens from time to time – for one reason or another – and I deal. I realize that how I feel right now is temporary, and as such, won’t last forever. I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in this, and that it’s one of those part of human nature.

That said, it’s what I’m choosing to do with this that I believe will make the difference. I will be open and transparent, and also reach out. I’ll ask my friends in real life, and those of you who are reading to stand with me. I will not stand alone.

If you are curious – there are a variety of things going on right now that are making me think and/or feel the way I do in this instant. Part of it may be a random chemical imbalance. Part my be my crazy thyroid. Part may be a pending medical issue. Part may be transition. Part may be things completely out of my control. Moral to the story – all these parts add up. They do for me, they would for you.

It’s my choice to see a God larger than life in the midst of it all. It’s my choice to also just be honest and let you know – it’s okay to not always be okay. During those times, I encourage you to do what I am doing – reach out. You aren’t alone. Neither am I. If you have taken the time to read this, please know that I am grateful for you, and for your friendship and prayers. Please know it is reciprocal. You are loved, friends!

Feb16

365 Moments If Gratitude – Thankful For WBGL

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After all the talk of transition with our local Christian station(s), today was the first day as an official part of the WBGL listening family.

Although I have heard the music and message on air from WBGL before, somehow it seems more “my” station since the switch.  As I listened to the radio all day today, God touched me so many times – through the music as well as the spoken words.

More tears today. These tears, however, were not negative in any way, shape or form.  They were simply as a result of God’s love and grace. So many things that got said today were spot-on…pertinent for exactly such a time as this.

I am grateful for the on air voices who spoke from their heart and allowed God’s grace and love to flow through the airways. Thank you WBGL. It’s an honor to walk through life with you! You are also so very loved.

Feb15

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful For WIBI Memories

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Well, today marked the “end” of Family Friendly WIBI Radio. I say “end” because, as referenced in this post, the call letters “WIBI” have been retired, so to speak. But, all is not lost. Instead, a larger extended family is gained. At 7 PM this evening, the switch was flipped, and WIBI was officially taken under the wings of then sister stations WBGL and WCIC.

A little before 7 PM, I felt some unexpected emotions. I was not prepared for tears. As I sat there, I had both “sad” but also really happy tears. Sad, only because WIBI was instrumental in seeing me, my family and so many people through many trials and life’s circumstances. I am grateful for the friendships and prayers that have become a part of my life because of a radio station that put God first, and allowed Him to reach out across the airways to meet people exactly where they are. I have had the honor of meeting much of the staff, and many of the volunteers over the course of time. I consider myself blessed to have been able to volunteer in the WIBI studio several times in support of this station that has come to mean so much in so many lives. Hearing the voices essentially say goodbye, that was sad. Hearing them say, “but welcome to WBGL and/or WCIC” that was happy. Hearing the heartfelt passion and love the on air personalities have displayed and I’m sure will continue to display on an ongoing basis – it was heartwarming, and very much a blessing.

All of these reflections have me going back through some of the pictures I have taken over the course of spending time with the WIBI family. This has been an honor, one I am grateful to now be sharing with the WBGL family.

Anyway, I’d love to share some pictures and videos with you. I have plenty more – and as I sift through them, I will update. To any of you pictured in these photos, know it was an honor to meet you, and to have you as a part of my life. No matter how small or how large of a part you have played, know that I am grateful.