Be Intentional - this 2021

 . .. .... .... ... .. ..... ... ..... ... ... .... ... . . .. . .
Happy New Year, dear friends! 
Thank you for swinging by and hanging out 
with me for a moment or two...

Be Intentional.  Such a great phrase.  A great word... to build on.  I have been pondering this one for awhile and it truly seems to be the "word" for me and for this year.   I've struggled for many a day with a natural bent to letting life happen to me instead of me making my life happen... in the way it is intended.

Can anyone relate to this??  

As a recent student in personal growth...I have noticed... I need to make a shift. I have realized that even by just saying or thinking the phrase out loud, but to myself... "Bevy, be intentional, here!", that there is truly a huge difference made.   I know.  I'm behind the eight-ball here - as we're nearly half way through the month, so it seems.... but, I truly aim to make this one count.   Recently, I read some words from a friend of mine... who shared some thoughts that really hit home with what I've been trying to say.

Berlin says...

Nothing will change in our lives unless we take MASSIVE action to force ourselves to make our dreams come alive & start to move.

It's not doing things that will make your life shift, it's about becoming a new person that makes absolute certain things begin to change.

On our vision board is a quote that reads 

"You are where you are because that's exactly where you chose to be"

It's been there for years, but this year, it hit me right in the chest...

If I don't like my life, it's because I have become a person who has created that very life I don't like.

And the truth is, the past few years, I haven't really liked me life (just being real)

But one thing I know is, It's all on me.

Every choice leading up to today, was a choice to be exactly where I am, to have exactly what I have, to be exactly who I am.

But that also means, right here, right now, the person I become this week... That is me choosing what my life looks like for the years to come!

Make the choice.

Make the shift.

Make the change.

Choose to be the master of your own life.

And,  I add.  BE INTENTIONAL!

So, for me.  A couple of ways that I plan to be in focus about are in these few areas:

• How I start and end my day.  This includes reading God's Word and having quiet time with HIM...
• My commitment level to hearts and home - which include my friends and family
• Who I choose to surround myself with.
• What I read, who I listen to and where I engage - with my time and talents.

Now more than ever.  Intentional Living to the WILL and WORD of God - is so vital.  Will you join me?? 

What Boldness Brings

  . ... .. .. ... .. .. . ... .. . .. .... .. ... .. .... .

"My boldness is directly linked to someone else's blessing."

I not sure where I first heard this quote... but it is one that has stuck with me... for sure!  I take it to mean... that certainly... I have something to offer.  Someone NEEDS what I have to offer.   I need not shrink back from being a blessing.  When I hold back out of fear or feeling of inadequacy...I'm doing others, and myself, a disservice.   

Do you ever think like this - for yourself??  

****

I took a stroll back through the "five" posts that I mustered to put together for this year of 2020.  Sad!!  But - yes...I shared as the Lord led me and so I want to celebrate those.  

(Okay, if I count correctly - I actually had twelve posts for the year.  One a month, or so.  Not terrible, I suppose...)

In one of those earlier posts - I talked about the word I chose, for the year of 2020 which was the word CULTIVATE.  Little did I know how much this would be needed in my life and I'm so glad.  What a great year for it, too.  So, while 2020 was quite the year and difficult for all in many ways.  I say, for me, it was one of my favorite years.   I'm choosing to collect the blessings that I've had and felt...and this word - has definitely brought with it, fruition which I'm truly grateful about.  But... it's not over.  There is still more work to be done.  And, so with that comes blessing in boldness.

I'm already sensing a new word - for 2021.   Stay tuned!!!

****

As the New Year approaches... what is something that you look forward to?  What is that one thing that you will live out the God-ordained days of this year for, with a dedicated heart?   When looking back, what will be the "no regret" part that you will hold dear?  

Here is where and how I will answer these questions.  As the New Year quickly approaches... I look forward to a greater sense of God's peace and presence.  With a dedicated heart to living out my God-ordained days...for the coming year... I will give HIM my all, in all.  I want to be able to look back with a no-regret mindset... because I've been intentional with my time, talents and relationships.

My boldness, today, is directly linked to someone else's blessing tomorrow.

As we head to a close on this year of 2020...

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.  ~Numbers 6:24-26, ESV

You have a friend in me

. . . ... .. ... .. ... .. .. ... . . .. .. ... .... .... .. .. .. .

When the floodwaters of the cesspool have come up to your very soul, you don't need challenges: you need comfort.  You need a friend to come alongside and say, "I am hurting with you... I am standing with you... I am weeping with you.  I am undergirding you as best as I can.  Link your shield of faith with mine and somehow we will make it together."   ~ Barbara Johnson

The year of 2020 has sure been an interesting ride.  One thing for sure that has come out of this for our family - has been a "reset".   We're stronger.  We're better together.  We've become better friends.

It's been beautiful!

I'm so grateful.

Work at it!

. .. .. ... ... .. ... .. ... . . .. ... .. .. .. .  . . . .... .

Have you ever heard these words by Benjamin Franklin - they're said to be famous.  I don't recall hearing them before reading them, to the kids, this morning... but.  Let me tell you - they're about to become quite famous in this household.  I smile.  But, it is true.   These words are  most likely based on Scripture - I'm sure.  Maybe someone can share in the comments where they think they are found.  One verse I thought of is quoted in the photo I shared below.

Here is what Benjamin Franklin pens...

"Work while it is called today, for you know not how much you may be hindered tomorrow.  One today is worth two tomorrows; never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today."

(as discovered in the pages of The Book of Virtues, by William Bennett)

To be honest, Procrastination has been known to take root in this homes heart-soil.  It goes in spurts - the "weed" yanked out... but, by golly, it reappears from time to time!!  And... it, never fear, will get someone in trouble.

Let's just say - it created some lively conversation around the breakfast table, this morning,  as we took this "lesson" in and I simply pray - it will be truly taken to heart by all of us.  There never really is a good excuse.  Ever!! 

Working a home-based business reveals all the true colors.  I have to ask myself,  How hard am I willing to put in, what it takes, to see the harvest that I'm expecting!?!

I also like this scripture from 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV)...

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Here is another quote by Admiral "Bull" Helsey... from the same book; The Book of Virtues.

"The Lord gave us two ends to use, one to think with and one to sit with.  The "war" depends on which we choose - heads we win, tails we lose."

~~

Have a wonderful and productive week!!

Drip. Drip. Drip...FULL and Overflowing!

. .. .. .... .. ..... .... ..... .... .. .... . .. .. .. .... . ..

I have the wonderful privilege of reading to my growing kiddos each morning before school - and this particular morning's reading was all about kindnesses and I immediately thought of a book that they all three read and learned about in school - in their early years!!  And.. I remember doing a post on it - so HERE that one is.   You have to read it - in fact, I CANNOT wait to share this same post with my kids later this afternoon or evening. 

 We NEED the reminder.

WOW!

Okay.

So, this reading this morning from The Life of Samuel Johnson in The Book of Virtues (p. 329) ... is talking about kindnesses shown and keeping our friendships in constant repair.   Here is what else I read:

We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed.  As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over; so in a series of kindnesses there at last one which makes the heart run over.

~~

It's a thought that is very much on my heart and mind.  As our lives ebb and flow and changes come and go - that ultimately bring about a change in our relationships... it is a real challenge to maintain some of those friendships.   And.. yet.  We NEED to keep adding to our friendships or soon we'll have none.  Am I right?

I'm so grateful for the many lovely friends that fill my cup!!  Not to mention, my Lord and Savior. He is the source of it all.

And so... as I keep the constant repair happening... tending to the drip by drip of filling another's heart-vessel with kindnesses - then my saucer will be filled, as well, full and overflowing.

Because, paraphrasing from Luke 6:45, out the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.  

I may venture to say it is the only time I care to be known as a "constant drip"... if you know what I mean.   Think about it!   What an opportunity to be a slow and steady blessing, one drip at a time, in someone's life... that at some point... is when their heart is full and BOOM!!  that bucket is filled to the top and overflowing. 

Ordinary

. . .. ... .... .. ... .... .... ... ... . ... . .. .. ... . ..

Your ordinary, real, everyday....
is the best gift you have.
Don’t miss it.


I sit here thinking what it must be like for an acquaintance friend of mine, a mother to 5 or 6, to rather recently "lose" her spouse... she's grieving today - but he is safely HOME!!

For another - the news reels dictate a change in weather patterns, "later tonight!",  that could ultimately change everything for their week away.  But as of today, this moment, the sun is currently shining hot and bright!! 

Our circumstances can change as fickle as the weather - but as sure and as certain as death. 

Dear reader, did you know that your friends and family are waiting on the hope your story can bring?  Oh, it's beautiful.  Why does it have to be perfect?  Why is the "fear of man" rising up?  It shouldn't.  Be brave.  Be courageous.  Don't withhold!

Tell your story! 

The nitty-gritty of your each and every day could be a game-changer; a life-changing moment, for that certain someone who is following in your shadow.

Proverbs 3:27-28   ---  Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.  Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later, I'll give it tomorrow" -- when you now have it with you.

Determine to make this ordinary come alive with a little extra!!  Make it extraordinary... but, keep it real.  Because - it is!!

 May your day be blessed and filled with hope!!

Strong (and Courageous) - word for 2019

. .. ... ... . .. .... .... .. .. .. ... .... .... .... .. .. . .

Here we are, a few days in 2019 and I have yet to share my word of the year with you!!

Funny.  I haven't always taken hold of a word so surely as I have been the past year and now for this one.  If you have been reading here - you may remember my word last year was GROW or Growth!

This year... along the same lines is that I want to keep growing... but the word that comes to mind is 

STRONG!

However.  In order to grow STRONG - one needs courage.

COURAGE is another word that keeps coming to my heart and mind.

I'll take them both!!  

Be Strong and Courageous.

I cling to the verses from Joshua chapter 1 starting loosely in verse 3 and continuing through verse 9.

Not wanting to take Scripture out of context, in the least.  I do, however, see these verses as a message of encouragement to myself as a leader of team.  A business builder.  A woman of influence.  As a wife.  A mother. A friend.

(I encourage you to open your Bible and read these verses for yourself. Perhaps you will reap the encouragement for you - as well.)

I feel such hope.  Such encouragement.  Such confidence - from our Lord... that HE will be with just as he has promised.    They say that things that cause fear to rise up in you are really what is your calling.

I believe that.
There are things that I get white-knuckled about, have fear for and the knees begin a-knocking.  While I want to be and do - all these things... there is something that still holds me back.

I want to have faith for this.

A faith that is unwavering.   My heart cries...

Lord!  Let me faith be marked by these three things.

1. A quiet spirit (no questions asked!)

2. A gentle spirit (no details needed)

3. A sweet submissiveness (no struggling against the unknowns)

** found these "marks" in a book somewhere a long time ago and have had them written in the sideline margins of my Bible ever since.  So, I can't give credit, here.  My apologies.

I believe, Lord.  Forgive my unbelief.  Help me... Slow down and take the time to grow - STRONG!!

Wrangling the courage to go through it and emerge.  Trusting the process.

***

Look out 2019!!

fmf | anniversary

.. . ... .. .... .... ... . ... .... .. .. ... . .... .... ... .. ..

An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow.

When I pondered what and where I might start with this prompt word... anniversary... I went to a moment that happened just yesterday afternoon.  

I found myself in a really deep funk.  It's been a crazy, busy week (by our own doing)... lots of activities for the kids.  Things like camp, school functions (yes! you read that right!  - My 11yr old, son, is heading into middle school and so there is a lot of "training" and getting comfortable with a BIG school... as a newbie - young man!) and an evening VBS that our kids were excited to attend - again.   They remembered how much they enjoyed it last year...and wanted to go again.  But.

We're heading out to a family vacation - leaving early, early tomorrow morning.  I'm excited and ready... but, again... I've been in this deep funk and "dreading" the process of making this all happen.  Anybody, know or relate to what I'm saying?

So... yesterday afternoon.  I took a half an hour and sat out on the back porch, rocking away - totally taken away by the beauty of the skies with the colors and the clouds...

With thoughts swirling of, "I can't believe we've lived here already for over a year"; "we've talked about doing such and such - wonder when that project will ever get done?"... all while the to-do list that I should have been doing was getting done (in my head!) but not actually.   I needed to pause...

A storm had just rolled through, so the trees and plants and flowers were glistening with rain droplets that shimmered like glitter in the now filtered afternoon sunlight.  I was mesmerized.  Thoughts of everything just piling up... dreams of yesteryear... and hopes for tomorrow... all of this, collided as the screen door jolted me "awake".  I almost got rattled at the seemingly interruption.

It was my nine year old.  My beautiful girl.  The epitome of all my thoughts into one.  She was growing up way to fast.  We sat there together; on our porch rockers.  Me on one and she on the other.  The one that was all wet, but she didn't care... she would dry.  She said, with a smile! (Oh! to be so carefree... at nine years old with little to no worries or cares.)   Wasn't it just yesterday - I rocked her in my arms?  That little one, always alert and capturing everything...never missing a beat to anything.

As we talked of all the pretties, of the moment, within our view... I asked her to run in for my camera.

Together we captured, on lens, what we saw.  Of course, a teaching moment... in the how-to's... for her of using the lens (what little I know!)... and me "letting go" - of the way it should be done and letting her learn...

Today is the first day of the rest of your life!

***

Happy Anniversary!

***

Here is to some creativity, with the camera, from both of us. 

Enjoy the photos of our lovely few minutes of yesterday afternoon.  

PS: Its hard to stop once the creative juices start flowing... 

If only we could have captured the clouds... the way they captured me, in the first place.

***

Linking up with Five Minute Friday Community.  Today's prompt was: Anniversary

fmf:: return (of gratitude)

 .. ... .... ... .. ... .... ... .. .... .... .... ... ... .. ..

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
 It turns what we have into enough and more.

It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion to clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home and a stranger into a friend.  ~ Melody Beattie

This quote speaks volumes to me, simply because... I know it is a place where I need to (humbly) return to.
Gratitude.
Having a consistent heart of gratitude.

When we "return" thanks... Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread... is more than than just a rote saying and prayer.  Its being grateful for what is enough.  Recognizing, the grace we need today... is not for also tomorrow, but only... for today.  And, then... we "return" with thanks and gratitude for only that portion.... and we are satisfied.
***

Linking up with Five Minute Friday community.  Taking the challenge of writing on this prompt word:  Return

fmf :: stuck

. ... .... .. ... .. .... ... .. .. . . .. . .. ... .. ..  ...

Stuck.   Not a favorite word of mine - nor one I use very often.  But, I do admit to feeling this way at times.  As thought about how I might use this word... as part of this five minute prompt - so many thoughts came rushing to mind.  I will simply set the timer aside and just write from the heart, today!

If you have been reading along, here at Treasured Up and Pondered, you've seen my straggly posts...here and there.  At least, as of late, these "few and far between posts" have been along the lines of growing and growth, etc.  I truly appreciate your sense of commitment to reading and following along.  Oh, it blesses me - even though I have not been as fluent or as fluid as I'd like to be, for you.

However, in the past, I have written "extensively", and often, on the topic of encouragement and blessing others -using our words of affirmation, hand-written notes or letters; coffee dates and connection one on one.  Simply because it is a subject so dear to me. It is truly something my heart CRAVES. 
My latest mantra - I've said to myself and am "committed" to doing - is to phone a friend at ten.  It's been working.  Whether I follow through, daily, or not.  I have succeeded in, at least, thinking of someone - at that time of day - and, at best, prayed for them. 
Sometimes a phone call gets made.  Sometimes it is a hand written note.

Simple. Simple. Simple. 

Yet.  How does this all tie in to the word stuck?

I am learning something.

And, Scripture is clear.  In order to have friends - you have to show yourself friendly.  I totally paraphrased that...but it is found in Proverbs chapter 18, I believe.  This doesn't come easy for everyone.  And, I am one of those persons.  I have to work on blessing others... it is a true struggle.

However, I believe some really awesome things about people - but they haven't heard it from me - yet.  Its time to change that.

There is a saying that says.  If you've been blessed, be a blessing!!

Well.  I want that to evident, in my life.

I'm going to take the rock that was once stuck in the mud and toss it into the lake.

You watch.  There will be a ripple effect that happens.  You'll see.

 I have yet another experiment brewing in my heart.  I don't know if I want to share out loud, yet, or not.  But, you watch.  If it comes your way... pass it on!!  Okay?  deal!!

Here is where the inspiration comes from.

Proverbs 3:27-28

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
    when it is in your power to act.  Do not say to your neighbor,
    “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—
    when you already have it with you.

***

Determine to withhold nothing!!

Praise * Encouragement * Thanks * a Greeting*

Kindness * Good Deeds * Note of appreciation

I believe when we choose to honor others above ourselves.  It produces a spirit of humility.  A spirit of loveliness.  A spirit of generosity.  A spirit of genuine - heart felt - connection.  

I want this!!  Don't you??

~Tagging along on with Five Minute Friday, today.  The prompt word, obviously, is: stuck!  FMF is a great blogging community - to plug into.  I suggest checking it out.

 

Are you feeling stuck, today?  - Pick yourself up and get out there!!

 

fmf :: provide

... . ... ..... . .. ... ... .. ... .. .. ... .. . .. ... . .

A smile is a light in the window of your face to show your heart is at home.
~unknown

The theme of my heart!
Being and feeling at home!

I pray that my face would show this blessing of provision
that I know to be true.
THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!

This was the continual and resolved prayer of our hearts for a long time - as we looked for housing.  A new home - a place to call our own.  He did just that.  He provided.  This past summer - mid June, as a matter of fact, if you're new to following our blog and story.

But... I am going to have to be honest.  This house.  It still doesn't quite feel like home.  My smile isn't always there.  While I'm grateful and again, I know HE has provided and met our (every?) need... its the "want" that still gets in the way.  You can read more, starting HERE!

Would you pray for me?

***

~ writing and joining up with Five Minute Friday - writing for five minutes on the prompt that was given.  Today's word was provide.

give us this day our daily bread

. .. .. .. .... ... ... .. ... .. ... ... .. ... ... .... .. . .. 

Recently, I was gifted these books, by a dear friend.

The Life-Giving Table

by, Sally Clarkson

 As well, we were recently gifted this table and bench, by another friend.  We've been enjoying it... a lot!!   Here is a thought taken from the second chapter... by Sally's husband, Clay Clarkson, who authored a portion of the book.

"Creating a lifegiving table is an intentional act of

 gathering, blessing, eating, sharing and serving."

So, the book, Life-Giving Table...what about it?  Well, I have been enjoying thumbing through; slowly reading the first couple of chapters of this book and there is so, SO much to take in.  I said, I feel like I have to "sit and marinate" in it - to let it all soak in.

Its really asking me to think about the "gathering" that takes place around our table.  Sure.  It's the place where a lot of our life happens! Things get plopped. Crafts are crafted.  Its used for play time - of forts and "race tracks"; coloring and games.  Homework is done, there.  Laundry is folded.

Piled high and cleared off again - so that meals can be spread out upon.

Its true that while we gather there to consume our daily bread... that, that is also where training and teaching happens.  Correction.  Encouragement.  Singing.  Prayers are prayed.

Community and Fellowship flow.  Sometimes its raw and loud and not always pleasant.  Most times and more often than not -its amazing!!

I have always said... that the kitchen is the heart of the home.  But, here of late, since reading this book, I've been trying to bring this "idea" to my kiddos.  For them to recognize, that our dining room table... this is a place of ministry... it is the Heart of the Home.  Even more than the kitchen itself.

"For Jesus...the home is not what defines the table; the table 

is what defines the home." ~ Leonard Sweet, from Tablet to Table

Its not a perfect place.  There are scuffs and scars.  Its worn and scratched...

But...it's ours!!

Its function is truly central to our home!

Where daily we pray and ask God... "Give us this day our daily bread."

house becoming home

. ... ... .. ... .. .... ... .... ... ... ... . ... ... .. . ..
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  
It turns what we have into enough and more.
It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast. a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.  
~ Melody Beattie

***
These are all photos from the past (our old home) - but warm me every time I see them.  I hope you don't mind me sharing them again, as a repeat.
 Our house, now, here, is slowly become home.  It's true.
 It starts with gratitude...
I'm truly grateful.
This is what November calls to mind.  Gratitude.
Not settling.
But truly satisfied.
May my heart-house become at home!!!

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Melody Beattie
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/melodybeat177949.html?src=t_home

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Melody Beattie
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/melodybeat177949.html?src=t_home

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Melody Beattie
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/melodybeat177949.html?src=t_home

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Melody Beattie
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/melodybeat177949.html?src=t_home

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Melody Beattie
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/melodybeat177949.html?src=t_home

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Melody Beattie Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/melodybeat177949.html?src=t_home