Maybe It's Just Me...

...and maybe this post pertains only to me. But after having a certain word repeat itself over and over again in my head for the past two days, I knew I needed to write about it.

It happens when I'm complimented for something I've done.
It happens when I look in the mirror and my hair, make-up and outfit all come together into one nice finished product.
It happens when I think on all the things I've accomplished in my career and in life.

But...

It also happens when I'm at a store and I see someone wearing something I don't find flattering or fashionable.
It also happens when I hear about someone's unfortunate situation and the first thing I think is, "That sucks, glad it's not me".
It also happens strangers, or even acquaintances, or worst yet, friends, make choices and decisions that I would not make and I think about them judgmentally. (Yea, it happens)

Pride. (Click on the word and read the first paragraph of Wikipedia's definition of pride to see its positives and negatives.)

My first three examples are ok in moderation and with perspective. My last three examples make me feel ashamed of myself. However, I'm glad that this word came to mind. It made me think of all of those examples and the changes I need to make, particularly in my thinking. It also made me think of a word I want to put more into practice.

Humility (Click on the word and read Wikipedia's definition)

Here are some scriptures on this topic of pride and humility.

Verse 1    Verse 2     Verse 3   Verse 4

Maybe it is just me that needed this gently brought to my attention. But on the off chance it's not just me, I hope you don't spend nearly as much time as I did beating yourself up about the first word. I hope we channel our energies into working hard implementing that second word.

Thanks for reading.

Just Relax

School's out for the summer. So that means this teacher gets to relax. Well, after the two days of leadership trainings and the two days of technology professional developments I need to attend. But then, I get to relax. (Now if I was teaching summer school, as I've done many years past, I would say, "No I can't". I'd be getting my classroom set up and looking over lesson plans.) But this year, I can say, Yes I can". This summer, I get to relax. I'm really grateful to have time off before the next school year starts, but there's a little problem. I don't quite know how to relax. I tend to feel like there's something I should be doing instead of taking time to rest. Often times, I feel guilty for sleeping in or sitting on the couch and watching a tv show or two.

But I would take this feeling of unrest any day over the restlessness of trying to make an important life decision, facing a stressful situation, or dealing with an unexpected health issue. These circumstances can quickly consume us and erase any opportunity of relaxation or peace. That is, unless you have a Source to turn to that can give you the comfort and rest you need.

Whether you're looking to find rest from the stress of a decision, the shock of unpleasant news, or the rigorous nature of a busy career or lifestyle, God desires to take on our burdens and concerns and exchange them for peace and rest. All we have to do is believe that He can and that He will.

Here are some verses reminding us that God encourages our rest and relaxation.

Verse 1   Verse 2    Verse 3

No matter what situation we find ourselves in, may we find time to rest our bodies and minds, relax our busy schedules, and reconnect with those we love and care about.

Below are a few places where I've been blessed to find great rest:

Coronado Beach in San Diego, CA

Airlie Center in Warrenton, Va

Matt's Awesome Uncle Mike and Aunt Mary's home in Stuart, Fl

Fling Family B&B in Hillsboro, Ohio

Centennial Park in Columbia,