Thursday, May 19, 2011

Fern VS Bamboo

so many times in life I have faced hardships, trials, death, disappointment and wondered why I was going through what I was facing. I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason and out of a tragedy comes a blessing. I have a lot of unanswered questions that may never be answered and that is ok. I take each day as a new one and know that the hardships I have faced have made me into the amazing person I am today. I truly try to walk in faith each day...

I love inspirational and motivational phrases and I love to share them to encourage others. Sometimes you hear that one phrase or that one story that resonates with you and it is like AH HA that is exactly how I feel. Sometimes that phrase or that story helps you get to the next day.

My favorite quote currently is "the plan you cannot see is greater than the circumstance you can" - that is so true and holds so much weight. We get wrapped up in the circumstance we are going through and how we are going to handle it, that we lose sight of what lies ahead and just how great it could be. Keep hope and faith that the plan you cannot see is much greater than what you are going through at the moment.

Another quote that I like is "The teacher is always quiet during the test" - you might feel alone and that God has left your side. Just remember that he promised that he would never lead us to failure but he would test us. So, it is possible you are going through a test.

What brought me to this post was the story about the Fern Vs Bamboo.... It is on many websites so I am not sure where it originated from but I wanted to share:

One day I decided to quit... I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life.
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"
 His answer surprised me...
"Look around", He said.. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"
"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo". He said. "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit." He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.

Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots. I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet, they both make the forest beautiful."

"Your time will come, "God said to me. " You will rise high!"
"How high should I rise?" I asked.
"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
"As high as it can?" I questioned. "Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.

Don't quit you are growing roots!!!
:)

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Mothers....

I meant to get this post out in time for Mother's Day but between traveling, work and my computer not being hooked up it didn't happen. So, here I am now...

When I write a post it is something that pops in my head that I think about for a few days and what I want to say. When I was thinking about what to write for Mother's Day it was hard for me to find the words. I have so much emotion when it comes to my Mother and being a Mother myself.

When I was growing up I depended on my Mom for a lot of things and when I became a teenager I wasn't as dependent on her. I went my own way and hung out with my friends and did my own thing. I was a teenager. Now, that I am a Mom myself and in my mid 30's I find myself depending on her maybe as much as I did when I was a kid but in a different way.

My Mother has transformed from my Mom to my best friend. She has guided me through life with hugs, kisses, prayers, advice, laughter, tears, encouragement and understanding. She showed me how to become a young lady, young woman and most importantly a Mom. Without her direction, discipline and prayers I would not be the person I am today.

I don't know what I would do without my Mom she is like the air I breathe. She is my right arm. I usually don't go more than two days without talking to her. She is the one I call when I want to know how to get a stain out, how many cups is 12 tablespoons, why is Makenzie doing this, what am I going to do with Makenzie, what is the banana pudding recipe for the 100th time? She is the person I call when I am sad. She is the first one I call when I have good news. She is in my everyday!

She has supported me through every phase of my life good and bad she has been there without question and always steps in when she is needed. She is a wonderful Mimi to Makenzie and is always there for her when she needs her.

She has taught me self-respect, christian values, friendship, motherly traits  and most of all her culinary skills.

I still light up and smile ear to ear when she tells me "I am proud of you Jen" I don't care how old you get you are always glad to know that you made your parent's proud.

I am truly blessed to be the daughter of such a wonderful giving, loving Mother. She is simply my everything!

Love you Mom!

In my Daughter's eyes....

In my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter's eyes
In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the
world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me gives me
strengths when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes
And when she wraps her hand
around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about
It's hangin' on when your heart
has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daughter's eyes
In my daughter's eyes I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
Though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see how happy
she made me
For I'll be there
In my daughter's eyes.....



Martina Mcbride - In My Daughter's Eyes