Come join me at my new home address:
www.mysoulmission.org
Thanks!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Faith
Yesterday was a good day. One of the "highlights" was getting my hair done-by my husband! Let me explain. Luke and I are on a journey to save money for a variety of reasons. We are cutting back on cable, lawn service, eating out, etc. As a girl, I enjoy getting my hair colored. Well, as many of you know, that can cost quite a bit -close to $100 once you get the color, shampoo, cut, and style. In our effort to save money, we picked up a box of highlights at Walmart and figured, why not. So, while Liam was napping, we went to work and the result? Some pretty looking highlights-all for $10 dollars! Can't beat that! Having my husband help with the highlights, made me think-how can any one girl do this by herself? I would have made a HUGE mess had I tried that! I also ended up giving myself a pedicure as a means to save money. Now that one is a hard one. I LOVE getting pedicures!
Anyway, today we are spending the day doing a few things-organizing kitchen cabinets, mulching the yard, organizing bedroom closet, getting dogs bathed and shaved, etc. So, I have a feeling today will be a good productive day. In all of this, my thoughts have turned to faith.
Last night I was reading some blogs (because as you know, I'm addicted to blogs) and I couldn't help but come across one that really made me think. There is this couple who has purchased a 95 year old home with the intention of using it for ministry. Their goal is to renovate the house and in turn, allow it to be a retreat for those who are seeking help, refreshment, etc. As I read their story, I couldn't help but think about what kind of faith it took to set out on this mission that they feel God has called them to. What questions did they have when they felt this calling? What fears did they have to work through? How did they know that God was truly calling them to this house and this ministry?
As I talked to Luke about it this morning I couldn't help but say, "I want that kind of faith". Anyone who knows me knows that I tend to be a planner-I have to have all of my ducks in a row. And for the most part-I feel like that is how we have lived our lives for the past 7 years-making sure everything was in place and good to go. But lately, I've been really longing to see God work miraculously in our lives. I want God to call us to something that is bigger than we can do on our own. I want our lives to be an adventure that leaves us saying, "WOW God, you have blown us away." Basically, I want to be faithful and live life the fullest-being who God has called me to be and doing what He has called me to do.
So, today my thoughts revolve around being faithful and allowing God to send me and the family in an adventure. What that looks like-I'm not quite sure. I just know that at the end of my life-I want my life to have counted for something-something bigger than myself.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Balance
Oh my-vacation was wonderful-how I miss thee vacation! We had such a great time, not only in Orlando, but also in North Carolina! As many of you know, I was there taking part in a training for an AP class I will be teaching next year. Not only was the training terrific, but Luke, Liam and I had the opportunity to see so many friends and family. It truly was refreshing!
On our way up, we stopped in Charlotte to visit our friends Jess and Jay. It was so good to catch up with them. How we have missed them! While in Winston-Salem we also had the opportunity to visit April and her family, Luke's sister Leslie, and John, Jaya, and Miah. It was just so refreshing to see and catch up with friends and family that we have not talked to in forever. Mainly due to just being plain busy!
While there, Luke and I also had the opportunity to check out Duke University, Wake Forest University, and UNC. Yes, Luke and I are nerds-we take great pleasure in checking out Universities. I will say this, Duke University is BEAUTIFUL! We actually were able to get into the gymnasium where Liam had multiple pictures taken of him. I have to admit-there is just something about academics that attracts Luke and I. I guess it's no wonder that we are working within the academic realm.
Now that we are back from vacation, we are back into the swing of life. One area that I have really been thinking about is balance-how do I possibly balance everything that is on my plate? I'm not sure why I've been thinking about this so much, but it has consistently been on my mind.
How do I balance being a working mother who not only gives 100% to her job, but also gives 100% to being a mommy and a wife? How do I balance working on and completing my doctorate while also, desiring to blog more, write more, speak more, etc.? How do I read the three books that I have required my students to read over the summer? How do I find the time to allow myself to dream the dreams that God has planted in my life and in turn, give time and effort to those dreams? How do I balance all of these things while also giving God my absolute best, always being completely devoted to Him?
So yes, as you can see, I've been thinking a lot about balance. Really, I don't think there is any magical formula when it comes to balancing your life, but there is one thing that I do know. What I do know is that in the past when I have given God the number one priority in my life-meaning, giving Him the best part of my day, giving Him time over everything else in life, somehow, I end up having enough time to accomplish everything else on my "To Do List" while also being a great mom and wife.
So, what I have come to realize is that if I truly want to be the best mom, wife, employer, Life Coach, Writer, Speaker, Teacher, Dreamer, and God Follower, I must not forsake my God. He must be my number one priority. When He is my priority, everything else will fall into place. Here's to a week of balance! How do you balance everything that takes place in your life?
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Catch-up
My gosh-where has the time gone? I feel like I'm always repeating these words! Hard to believe that my last post was in January! Lots has happened since then!
As many of you already know-I went back to work in January. While it was hard to leave my little guy, it was also comforting to know that family would be watching him. It's been a good transition.
It's been good to be back a work. Any of you that know me, know that I really enjoy my work and in turn, truly feel that it is a calling. God has truly given me a peace about being a working mother. Now with that said, it's not always easy and there are times that I do feel some mommy guilt-but I also know that God has placed me where I am for such a time as this and in turn, I am where I am supposed to be. Besides, there is nothing better than picking up my little boy at the end of the work day and seeing his smiling little face when he sees me walk through the door. Nothing compares to that!
Liam is officially 8-months old already! What a journey it has been. I will admit-the hardest thing for me is the sleep deprivation that comes at times. It's so hard for me when Liam decides to wake up multiple times throughout the night. Kinda like he did the other night while being on vacation. No kidding-he woke up every hour! I thought I was going to die! I know that this too shall pass, but let me tell you, it's been the hardest part of being a mommy. Thank goodness I have a husband who is wonderful and allows me to nap while he watches the little stinker!
It's been a great journey as both Luke and I learn all about baby stuff-feedings, sleeping, balancing work and family, etc. I wonder if the second baby will be easier? Probably not-each child has a personality of their own. Speaking of baby number two-no, Luke and I are not pregnant, but we do want to have another child-sooner rather than later. If I can just get the last 10 pounds off from my pregnancy with Liam, then yes, we will most likely try again!
As I write this, Luke and I are on vacation and oh, it feels so good! I desperately needed one! We are staying at a time share in Orlando (it was the only place we could find one) and basically, doing whatever we want! It's been wonderful! On Friday, we pack up and leave for North Carolina. I will spend the week in training for a new AP course I will be teaching next year. My prayer is that Liam will cooperate while on the trip there. He really does not like his car seat and being confined! I don't have to be in NC until Sunday, so, we just plan on taking our time getting there!
On another side note-in July I am attending the She Speak conference in North Carolina! I am SO EXCITED! I have really wanted to attend this conference for some time, and I finally get to do it! I will be attending with a new friend from church while also meeting up with a friend from college! I will attending seminars on speaking and writing and will actually have the opportunity to meet with one or two publishers. I'm really hoping and praying that God will allow me to make some contacts and in turn, will continue to reveal to me what He has in store for my life.
As many of you know, my hearts desire is to not only write, but to also share with women of all ages, what God has done in my life and what He continues to show me. I would love nothing more than to be a published speaker and in turn, have the opportunity to speak all over the world. I continue to pray that the Lord would open the right doors and that His timing would be perfect. We will see!
Lastly, I had some recent changes take place with my dissertation. If you have talked with me lately or read my Facebook page, you have probably noticed my frustration with my dissertation chair and the confusion he was basically causing me in addition to extending the dissertation process for me. Well, I recently found out that he was FIRED! While I think the man was probably a good man, I have to say, he was not a great dissertation chair. I truly do wish him the best, but at the same time, I'm happy to know that the frustration and such that I was feeling, was perfectly normal-he was not doing what he needed to do. So, I now have a new chair and committee member and it looks like things are going to be good. I can only hope!
Ok, That should do it! I do hope to keep up with this blog much more often! Be sure to check out my coaching blog-that one I am much more consistent on! :)
As many of you already know-I went back to work in January. While it was hard to leave my little guy, it was also comforting to know that family would be watching him. It's been a good transition.
It's been good to be back a work. Any of you that know me, know that I really enjoy my work and in turn, truly feel that it is a calling. God has truly given me a peace about being a working mother. Now with that said, it's not always easy and there are times that I do feel some mommy guilt-but I also know that God has placed me where I am for such a time as this and in turn, I am where I am supposed to be. Besides, there is nothing better than picking up my little boy at the end of the work day and seeing his smiling little face when he sees me walk through the door. Nothing compares to that!
Liam is officially 8-months old already! What a journey it has been. I will admit-the hardest thing for me is the sleep deprivation that comes at times. It's so hard for me when Liam decides to wake up multiple times throughout the night. Kinda like he did the other night while being on vacation. No kidding-he woke up every hour! I thought I was going to die! I know that this too shall pass, but let me tell you, it's been the hardest part of being a mommy. Thank goodness I have a husband who is wonderful and allows me to nap while he watches the little stinker!
It's been a great journey as both Luke and I learn all about baby stuff-feedings, sleeping, balancing work and family, etc. I wonder if the second baby will be easier? Probably not-each child has a personality of their own. Speaking of baby number two-no, Luke and I are not pregnant, but we do want to have another child-sooner rather than later. If I can just get the last 10 pounds off from my pregnancy with Liam, then yes, we will most likely try again!
As I write this, Luke and I are on vacation and oh, it feels so good! I desperately needed one! We are staying at a time share in Orlando (it was the only place we could find one) and basically, doing whatever we want! It's been wonderful! On Friday, we pack up and leave for North Carolina. I will spend the week in training for a new AP course I will be teaching next year. My prayer is that Liam will cooperate while on the trip there. He really does not like his car seat and being confined! I don't have to be in NC until Sunday, so, we just plan on taking our time getting there!
On another side note-in July I am attending the She Speak conference in North Carolina! I am SO EXCITED! I have really wanted to attend this conference for some time, and I finally get to do it! I will be attending with a new friend from church while also meeting up with a friend from college! I will attending seminars on speaking and writing and will actually have the opportunity to meet with one or two publishers. I'm really hoping and praying that God will allow me to make some contacts and in turn, will continue to reveal to me what He has in store for my life.
As many of you know, my hearts desire is to not only write, but to also share with women of all ages, what God has done in my life and what He continues to show me. I would love nothing more than to be a published speaker and in turn, have the opportunity to speak all over the world. I continue to pray that the Lord would open the right doors and that His timing would be perfect. We will see!
Lastly, I had some recent changes take place with my dissertation. If you have talked with me lately or read my Facebook page, you have probably noticed my frustration with my dissertation chair and the confusion he was basically causing me in addition to extending the dissertation process for me. Well, I recently found out that he was FIRED! While I think the man was probably a good man, I have to say, he was not a great dissertation chair. I truly do wish him the best, but at the same time, I'm happy to know that the frustration and such that I was feeling, was perfectly normal-he was not doing what he needed to do. So, I now have a new chair and committee member and it looks like things are going to be good. I can only hope!
Ok, That should do it! I do hope to keep up with this blog much more often! Be sure to check out my coaching blog-that one I am much more consistent on! :)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Ramblings
Well, I'm in my last week of maternity leave. Hard to believe that it's already been three months since my baby boy came into the world. I have to admit, I think I'm going to miss the little guy as I go back to work. But with that said, I am so thankful that family will be watching him. If you have to have someone watch your child, nothing beats family.
Since this is my last week at home, my friend Christine and I "tried" to go out to lunch today, but low and behold, Liam wasn't having it. As soon as we got to Chili's and were seated, he decided he wanted to throw a fit. So, like the good mommy that I am, I took him out and walked around with him. He became happy. So, thinking that he would now be happy, I went back to the table where he immediately threw a fit again! So, like the good mommy that I am, I took him to the car to see if he wanted his bottle. He had some sips and then decided that he wanted to chat and smile at me. So, we did that for a bit and thinking that he would now be happy, I once again went back to the table where he once again threw a fit! At that point, I looked at my friend and said, "I need to go home." Thankfully, she has three kids of her own and completely understands! With that, I also told her, please get me a LARGE Coke-I'm going to need it!! So, we ended up coming back to my house to eat and of course, Liam decided to sleep! Oh, the joys of motherhood!
Well, tonight I am attending my first Boot Camp Class. I've decided it's time-I need to get this extra baby weight off of me and the reality is, I REALLY want to get back to the weight I was when I got married! So, my hope is that taking this class will help out some. I'm taking the class through Body Transformations which is like a gym, but it's not. It's much smaller and it looks like you get much more one-on-one attention. So, I'm looking forward to attending the class three times a week! I really wish I could have found a partner to work out with me-but as we all know, it's hard to do that! So, I will just do this on my own! Besides, I have a speaking engagement in April that I want to look decent for and I have the U2 concert in July that I want to look good for! So, I'm going to try my hardest!
Lastly, I'm really hoping to hear from my dissertation chair soon! I'm hoping that my proposal looks good and that the IRB will accept it! Keeping my fingers crossed! With that, I have to admit, I'm looking at another degree. Go ahead, tell me I'm crazy. I can just hear all of you now. But as many of you know, I am REALLY interested in career counseling. I have had the opportunity to do career "counseling" with a variety of people and I just really like the field. So, right now, I 'm just looking to see what's out there. I will say this, only 8 schools in the nation offer the degree, with two of the schools being in Florida. So, we will see-maybe something for the future-but not now. I just want to get through this stinkin doctorate! And yeah, I won't go back to school unless I get a full-scholarship.
So, there you have it! That's the latest!
Since this is my last week at home, my friend Christine and I "tried" to go out to lunch today, but low and behold, Liam wasn't having it. As soon as we got to Chili's and were seated, he decided he wanted to throw a fit. So, like the good mommy that I am, I took him out and walked around with him. He became happy. So, thinking that he would now be happy, I went back to the table where he immediately threw a fit again! So, like the good mommy that I am, I took him to the car to see if he wanted his bottle. He had some sips and then decided that he wanted to chat and smile at me. So, we did that for a bit and thinking that he would now be happy, I once again went back to the table where he once again threw a fit! At that point, I looked at my friend and said, "I need to go home." Thankfully, she has three kids of her own and completely understands! With that, I also told her, please get me a LARGE Coke-I'm going to need it!! So, we ended up coming back to my house to eat and of course, Liam decided to sleep! Oh, the joys of motherhood!
Well, tonight I am attending my first Boot Camp Class. I've decided it's time-I need to get this extra baby weight off of me and the reality is, I REALLY want to get back to the weight I was when I got married! So, my hope is that taking this class will help out some. I'm taking the class through Body Transformations which is like a gym, but it's not. It's much smaller and it looks like you get much more one-on-one attention. So, I'm looking forward to attending the class three times a week! I really wish I could have found a partner to work out with me-but as we all know, it's hard to do that! So, I will just do this on my own! Besides, I have a speaking engagement in April that I want to look decent for and I have the U2 concert in July that I want to look good for! So, I'm going to try my hardest!
Lastly, I'm really hoping to hear from my dissertation chair soon! I'm hoping that my proposal looks good and that the IRB will accept it! Keeping my fingers crossed! With that, I have to admit, I'm looking at another degree. Go ahead, tell me I'm crazy. I can just hear all of you now. But as many of you know, I am REALLY interested in career counseling. I have had the opportunity to do career "counseling" with a variety of people and I just really like the field. So, right now, I 'm just looking to see what's out there. I will say this, only 8 schools in the nation offer the degree, with two of the schools being in Florida. So, we will see-maybe something for the future-but not now. I just want to get through this stinkin doctorate! And yeah, I won't go back to school unless I get a full-scholarship.
So, there you have it! That's the latest!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Happy New Year!
It's so hard for me to believe that 2010 is upon us-where did the time go? It seems as if it was just yesterday that I thought I was pregnant and really was not and ended up having to have surgery. I remember thinking that this Christmas I would not have a child and with that I wondered how I would feel. But as you already know-God is so good and blessed both Luke and I with our adorable little guy! We are so in love!
As I sit here and type, I'm trying to not get my hopes up-last night Liam slept through the entire night! Oh how wonderful it was! He ate at 9:30 pm and went to sleep at 10 pm in his crib. He did not get up until 6:00 am! It was SO NICE! So, while I'm keeping my fingers crossed for tonight and night's to come, I also don't want to get my hopes up just yet! But oh how great it would be if he starts sleeping through the night, especially since I am going back to work on the 11th!
Luke's sister is here and we ware so happy about that! Once again, the Lord has answered our prayers and provided a care taker for our little one. I was so not wanting to put him in daycare nor with someone I did not know-but like always, the Lord provided. We couldn't have asked for more. I will miss Liam terribly when I go back to work-so it will be interesting to see how that all pans out!
I'm really looking forward to 2010. I'm believing that God is going to do some great things in the Bennett household. I'm getting ready create my 2010 dream board-a board that allows me to express what I hope for in 2010 and beyond. I went to Michael's the other day and bought some really cool supplies-so, I'm excited about developing a piece that will encourage me to follow after the dreams that the Lord has placed within my heart! I'll be sure to post a picture once I complete it!
As I sit here and type, I'm trying to not get my hopes up-last night Liam slept through the entire night! Oh how wonderful it was! He ate at 9:30 pm and went to sleep at 10 pm in his crib. He did not get up until 6:00 am! It was SO NICE! So, while I'm keeping my fingers crossed for tonight and night's to come, I also don't want to get my hopes up just yet! But oh how great it would be if he starts sleeping through the night, especially since I am going back to work on the 11th!
Luke's sister is here and we ware so happy about that! Once again, the Lord has answered our prayers and provided a care taker for our little one. I was so not wanting to put him in daycare nor with someone I did not know-but like always, the Lord provided. We couldn't have asked for more. I will miss Liam terribly when I go back to work-so it will be interesting to see how that all pans out!
I'm really looking forward to 2010. I'm believing that God is going to do some great things in the Bennett household. I'm getting ready create my 2010 dream board-a board that allows me to express what I hope for in 2010 and beyond. I went to Michael's the other day and bought some really cool supplies-so, I'm excited about developing a piece that will encourage me to follow after the dreams that the Lord has placed within my heart! I'll be sure to post a picture once I complete it!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
New Mommy Diary!
OK, last night Luke tried to put Liam down for bed. Well, after a few minutes, he just wasn't into it nor ready to go to sleep. So, once he started doing that frantic crying, I picked him up and held him and comforted him until he calmed down. Once he calmed down, I took him to his room to lay him on his changing table to give him a nice clean diaper. OH MY is all I can say. When I TRIED to lay him down on the changing table, he not only gripped me, but screamed bloody murder! Honestly, I HAD NO CLUE what was wrong with him. HE LOVES being on the changing table because he gets to look at the wall and the picture on the wall that just brings him much delight! So to have him scream bloody murder when he was put on the table, just baffled me! Luke also tried to lay him down and he did the same thing to him.
Needless to say, the only thing we could think of was that he either had a bad dream about the changing table (Yea I know, this may be far-fetched), or, he just really felt that by being on the changing table, he then would go straight to bed afterwards and he just wasn't having it. Thank-goodness, once he did get to sleep and such, his fear of the table seems to have diminished. It was absolutely crazy the way he responded.
The good news in all of this is that Liam slept for nearly 7 hours straight last night!! Now, let me preface this with saying that we did place him on his tummy. I have really come to the conclusion that this boy is a tummy sleeper and the ONLY way he will sleep for long periods of time is on his tummy. Not only does he settle down quicker, but he doesn't startle himself so easily and he just seems so much more content. So, I truly think this is the only thing we can do at this point and with that, every night I have to tell myself-God is in control-I'm not. I pray that the Lord would watch over this love of my life and that He would give him peaceful and good sleep! I've come to realize in life that once you truly realize that you really are not in control, you are then free to just truly trust God in everything and with that, come a peace like never before!
Here's to hoping for good sleep tonight! :)
Needless to say, the only thing we could think of was that he either had a bad dream about the changing table (Yea I know, this may be far-fetched), or, he just really felt that by being on the changing table, he then would go straight to bed afterwards and he just wasn't having it. Thank-goodness, once he did get to sleep and such, his fear of the table seems to have diminished. It was absolutely crazy the way he responded.
The good news in all of this is that Liam slept for nearly 7 hours straight last night!! Now, let me preface this with saying that we did place him on his tummy. I have really come to the conclusion that this boy is a tummy sleeper and the ONLY way he will sleep for long periods of time is on his tummy. Not only does he settle down quicker, but he doesn't startle himself so easily and he just seems so much more content. So, I truly think this is the only thing we can do at this point and with that, every night I have to tell myself-God is in control-I'm not. I pray that the Lord would watch over this love of my life and that He would give him peaceful and good sleep! I've come to realize in life that once you truly realize that you really are not in control, you are then free to just truly trust God in everything and with that, come a peace like never before!
Here's to hoping for good sleep tonight! :)
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