The Stuff. I'm Learning.

I really enjoyed linking up with Kalyn and Lauren last Monday for Coffee and Conversations. Last week I wrote about some of the things, big and little, that I am thankful for. If you missed that post, you can find it here.

This week's topic is...the biggest lesson you have learned so far this year. As I try to do with most posts, I asked God to give me the words, to tell me what I have been learning. Almost immediately, after praying for ideas about what to write, these two words came to me, "It's okay."

It's Okay. Relax. It's not the end of the world. These phrases are among my pet peeves. Especially when they come from my husband. I will admit, that it's my perception of these phrases and the meaning behind them, and not my husband's intentions, that annoy me. When I hear those phrases, I can't help but think...No, it's not. I can't. Yes, it is.

So, when God gave me these words, I was less than thrilled. I thought, that's my big lesson - it's okay.

Here in blog land, there is a link up associated with being okay. I have read many of the posts from fellow bloggers, but have only linked up once. Why? Because, being okay is not really something I'm good at. And, I'm a big believer in being honest, in real life and in blog life. What you see here, this is me. So, it almost felt hypocritical to write a post about being okay, when I wasn't feeling it 100%.

One of my favorite singers is Francesca Battistelli. I have written about her songs before and how much they have impacted me. The words are simple, but genuine, and really speak to me. As I thought on this topic, one of her songs came to my mind. The title is, This is the Stuff. I have been singing it (to myself) for a week.

Some of the key lyrics that have stood out to have been:

This is the stuff that drives me crazy

This is the stuff that's getting to me lately

In the middle of my little mess

I forget how big I'm blessed

This is the stuff that gets under my skin

But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing

It might not be what I would choose

But this is the stuff You use

So break me of impatience

Conquer my frustrations

I've got a new appreciation

It's not the end of the world

I may not like it, but it's okay.  It may not be what I have planned, but it's okay.  God uses it all.  That's my lesson...and I'm still learning.

LINKING UP WITH

Forgive Me

Today's word for the scripture challenge is forgiveness. That is a huge topic. With all that has been going on in my work and family, lately, I didn't feel prepared to tackle the topic of forgiveness in a single post. 

But, since I have been putting a lot of pressure on myself lately, and feeling guilty about not giving 100 percent to every area of my life, I decided to link up with "It's Okay" Thursday, as a way offering myself a little forgiveness.

It's okay that...

...it has been well over a month since I have done exercise of any kind.
...we ate the same meal for dinner three nights in a row.
...my attempt at dinner last night was a semi-failure. While the meat was cooked the potatoes and carrots were still raw.
...I have not started working on O's selective eating, even though I wrote a post in September about how I was ready to get started.
...I am putting off asking for sponsors on my blog because I'm worried that no one will be interested.
...I have still not created a Twitter account.
...I am having a get-together at my house on Saturday and I have not thought about the menu or had time to clean my house.
...my favorite pair of black boots are falling apart.
...I am participating in a least five giveaways in the three weeks, four within this week alone. Two have posted so far, here and here. Two more coming soon.
...only 25 percent of my Facebook followers ever see my posts.
...I have two books waiting to be read, but I can't seem to find time to finish the one I am currently reading.

Give yourself a break today, too. Because...it's okay.

Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. - Psalms 65:3 (NLT)

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