Expectations

"Expectations kill relationships"

I read this quote on Holy Experience last week & it hit me strong. I have expectations all the time! Every year for my birthday I hope & somewhat expect that maybe I'll have a surprise party and when it doesn't happen I'm disappointed & it can sometimes overshadow all the wonderful things people did for my birthday. How terrible is that! Here people do all these lovely things for me & I come out of it still bummed....I know, this is hard for me to admit & I'm embarrassed at my selfish expectations. I feel I deserve & expect so many things in my life.

I expect & feel I deserve a certain material possession or expect certain things from my husband or the worse of all is expecting & feeling that I deserve things from the Lord. I should expect NOTHING from the Lord...I deserve NOTHING. He gave His life for me & if that's all I ever receive from Him, it's more than I ever deserved in a million lifetimes.

When I have these false expectations of so many things in life, it does kill relationships. I never thought of it that way. How much have false expectations influenced my relationship with others, my husband, my kids...and most importantly - my Lord. Why can't I just stop living a life of having these expectations? Then whatever does happen above & beyond is a wonderful surprise! Just enjoying each & every moment to its fullest. No expectations..just contentment.

Something I've been thinking a lot about....Lord, forgive this selfish woman who can at times be so self absorbed and expect life to be exactly how I think I deserve it to be. My life is not about me, but all about You. I desire expectations to be stripped from my life and instead filled with nothing so that when something does happen then I'll know I've been touched by You in a special way that day. Thank you for Your grace & love that sees this sinful heart and loves me in spite of it all.....

Are you ready?

Amidst my excitement with my best friend visiting this past weekend, we got some very sad news. My younger brother has been dating a girl for the past year or so. We have really gotten to know her family well & her parents have always been so kind to us & our boys. I received a call from my mom this past Saturday & her dad went on to be with Jesus after passing away in his sleep. It was unexpected as he was only in his mid-40's, worked out everyday, and a much in shape individual. His wife woke up Saturday morning to find his facial color looked odd only to find that he was dead.

It hit me hard.....it was unexpected....not prepared for....incredibly sorrowful.

Are we ready? Knowing that this could be our last day here on earth. You WILL either go to Heaven or hell. Is your soul ready? The only way to be ready is to accept Christ into your heart as your personal Savior.

Even as tears swell in my eyes at my deep, hearts sorrow...I rejoice, because he was ready & now he's walking down streets of gold with my Lord.

Mini-Me Monday

Ok, honestly...did terrible this past week & weekend! But, I'm back! I missed blogging & reading the blogs that I so faithfully enjoy as I peek into your lives.

Tomorrow morning I take my best friend back to the airport & I'm bummed. I cherish the time together, but it always goes so very fast! We had a fabulous time of shopping, eating, & talking....enjoying every moment of catching up on life. It was truly wonderful. I'll send some pictures later!

Eating wise, well...let's just say JUNK FOOD WEEKEND! It wasn't a pretty sight. But, here I am again - ready to begin anew. Ready, Set, Go!