What Makes You Beautiful

July 30, 2024 By Rebekah 0

Recently I’ve heard several conversations about beauty and what makes someone beautiful. As a people-watcher, I love to see the interactions and hear what people have to say about beauty. So often, though, there are the negative responses that we all know too well - and that we’ve probably all said at one time or another. People feel they aren’t beautiful because of a perceived defect, a dislike about their appearance, the fact that they don’t live up to the latest fashion standards. I’d like to talk about beauty for just a few minutes, and I’d like to share what makes you beautiful - regardless of who you are, what you look like, or what you’ve done.

We all know the saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” and I’ve even said that while looking at some works of art in our local art museum. It’s hard for me to find beauty in some pieces of art; I don’t understand them and so I write them off as “odd” or “quirky”. But to some people, they are genuine works of beauty.

I think many of us, especially women, feel beautiful when we are wearing the latest fashion, are adorned in beautiful jewelry and have our make-up done just right. That certainly adds to the beauty of our appearance - our outward beauty. So many people certainly look beautiful when they are “put together” and dressed well!

Beauty also comes from within, though. Some of us may be the first to jump in when there’s a problem, or if a friend needs a meal, or if a fellow mom is struggling. Inner beauty - we all know these people, too, and hopefully many of us have not just an outer beauty, but an inner beauty as well.

And, in thinking about beauty, I realize that we often find beauty in child-like innocence. How often do our kids say something and we think about their innocence - how they haven’t been warped by the world’s standards, or the world’s opinions of them - and realize we’re beholding beauty? Innocence can do that - it can remind us of true beauty!

But, really, what makes you beautiful?

All of the beauty I’ve listed above, all of the reasons to call something beautiful, are not what makes you beautiful, though, at least not at the root of it all.

You are beautiful because someone wants you.
Because Someone wants you.

That’s it. Plain and simple. You are beautiful because you are of value, worthwhile, full of great worth, to Someone.

Not only are you of great worth, but that same Someone proved it to the world by dying on the cross.
For you.
For me.

Maybe you don’t believe that; it’s okay.

The historical evidence does show that a man named Jesus died on a cross, and history confirms what I read in the Bible.

So maybe you don’t believe He died for you, but maybe you can believe the historical perspective that He did die. That’s a start.

And from there, can I ask, ever so humbly, would it hurt to believe He died for you? Would you stand to lose anything by believing He died for you?

Something for you to ponder, maybe.

Jesus died - for nothing that He did, but for everything that we would do - for all the wrong that we would add to this world.

He died for us before He even created us.

Read that again, if you would… He died for us before He even created us.

In fact, even though we sin, He still loves us. This is such a well-known verse, but sometimes those are the easiest to cling to as they stick in our minds and hearts -

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

I’m going to admit a little bit of selfishness, of my humanness here - I wouldn’t die for too many people in my life. Anyone else feeling the same way?

However, if I were to give up my life for someone, I would have the security of knowing that I would be in heaven with God.

Why? Because I was wanted; I was bought with a price; I was chosen.

Say those words - out loud:
I was WANTED.
I was BOUGHT WITH A PRICE.
I was CHOSEN.

I AM BEAUTIFUL.

Friends, who you are, and what you do can make you attractive, pleasing to look at, pleasant to be around.

But you are already a work of art, crafted by the Master who not only creates, but also restores and renews our lives to transform us more and more to His image.

No matter where you are today, you are already beautiful. Leading a life submitted to Jesus’ authority will polish off the rough edges, and help you to shine more as the beautiful work of art He created you to be.

He wants you - so much so that He died to give you the opportunity to remain His prized possession, His beautiful masterpiece.

Whatever you are wearing today - you are beautiful!

Maybe you’re a mom in sloppy old clothes, cleaning the house - you are beautiful!
Maybe you’re a teenager traveling through rough waters, wondering how “us old people” might possibly have a clue about fashion or about your life - you are beautiful!
Maybe you’re doing the whole parenting thing on your own and you haven’t slept and are still in pajamas - you are beautiful!
Maybe you are wearing clothes that are unfamiliar to me because you come from a different culture and live in a different region of the world - you are beautiful!
Perhaps you are praying for clothes that fit because finances are a mess - you are beautiful!
Or possibly your wardrobe is full to overflowing with all the best - you are beautiful!
Maybe you’ve traded your clothes for an outfit from the place you currently have to be because of the wrong you’ve done - you are beautiful!

It’s not our looks, it’s not our status, it’s not who we are or what we’ve done.

It’s ONLY Jesus. It’s ALL grace.

Whatever you look like today, you are LOVED, you are WANTED, you are CHOSEN, and you are BEAUTIFUL!

Father, I pray that you would take these words that you’ve given me in my quiet time today, and place them so gently into the heart of someone who needs them, just as I did. May we remember that our words and actions can add to the beauty you’ve already created in our lives and because of our lives.
In Jesus’ name , Amen.

And in case you are ready to make the choice to believe in Jesus - even just to try to believe - would you lean in close and pray this prayer with me?

Dear Jesus, I acknowledge that you have created me, and that you know all my shortcomings and all my wrongs, and that you love me anyway. Would you fill my heart with your Spirit, be the Lord of my life, and guide me in your steps? Please forgive my sin, please make me whole. Help me to know and understand you, and to love you more each day.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer - those words in italics - would you let me know? Leave a comment here, or email me ([email protected]) or find me on Facebook and let me know.

Wherever you are, whoever you are, whatever life has for you today, YOU are beautiful!

Because it’s not who you are, what you wear, the place you live, or the things you do that make you beautiful.

What makes you beautiful? The fact that Someone - Jesus - already created you, already paid the price for you, and already made a way for you to be in Heaven for eternity.

Amen!

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Inspiration

May 22, 2024 By Rebekah 0

We have 3 young piano players in our home, and we are gearing up for the end-of-year recital. We’ve hit a little bit of a wall and needed some inspiration, so today we cleared off the piano, decided specifically what our focus would be, and set to work.

The picture on the wall behind our piano has been covered in quotes meant to inspire and motivate, many by famous composers and pianists. I thought I would share the quotes here with you, in case you’re needing a little inspiration - not just for piano, but for life. So here they are, in no particular order.

quotes to inspire & motivate || rebekahmhallberg.com

“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is practice.”

“Nothing worth doing is ever easy.”

“Talent is good. Practice is better. Passion is best.”

“Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard.”

“The piano is the easiest instrument to play in the beginning and the hardest to master in the end.” -Horowitz

“I worked hard. Anyone who works as hard as I did can achieve the same results.” -Bach

“To play without passion is inexcusable.” -Beethoven

“Music can change the world.” -Beethoven

“Don’t practice until you get it right. Practice until you can’t get it wrong.”

“It is a mistake to think that practice of my art has become easy to me.” -Mozart

“There are and there will be thousands of princes. There is only one Beethoven.”

“Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on.” -Chopin

“A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence.” -Stokowski

“Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.”

“To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time.” -Bernstein

“It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together.”

“Inspiration is a guest that does not willingly visit the lazy.” -Tchaikovsky

“Put all your soul into it, play the way you feel.” -Chopin

“I should be sorry if I only entertained them. I wish to make them better.” -Handel

For the next few days, we’ll be adding to the quotes as we work to solidify and prepare the music for the recital. I’m excited to see how this final push, done differently than ever before, will work out.

I hope you’ve been able to find a little motivation as you read through the quotes!

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What Really Matters

February 23, 2025 By Rebekah 10

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Yesterday, our family visited a piano factory and showroom as we began our search for a newer piano for our home. The beauty, the music, the craftsmanship - they were all breathtaking. The greatest lesson we came away with, though, had to do with the craftsmanship in making the pianos, and even the talent in playing any of the pianos in the showroom. We learned what really matters.

It’s not the tool in the hand that matters;
it’s whose hand the tool is in that makes the difference.

If you take three different pianos, each a different make and of a different value, and let a person who has never taken lessons play the pianos, you’re likely to not hear much of a difference, except maybe in the tone of the sound.

Take those same three pianos and let a trained pianist play them. You’ll be amazed at the music that they can pull out of the instruments. The same instruments which seemed of very little worth when played poorly, or which seemed to have very little distinction from one another, are now making masterpieces because they are in the right hands.

Apply that same principle to the Bible. We probably all own a Bible, maybe several Bibles. Chances are, we read our Bibles with some regularity, right? We probably have our favorite verses and passages underlined or highlighted.

But if our Bibles were to play the tune of our life, would it be a simple, maybe-melodic tune, or would it be a moving, beautiful masterpiece, as played by a world-class musician?

Where does your Bible live? Mine seems to get moved around as I read it in one room, and then another. But I’ll be honest - a lot of Sunday mornings, I’m trying to remember where I left it as I race to get ready for church in time. What does that tell you? That consistency isn’t always my strength.

Take that same Bible - the one I can’t always find - and give it to a Christian who is longing for their very own Bible.

The Bible takes on a completely different worth in that person’s hands. It’s a gift, a treasure, a masterpiece. Chances are, the person holding the Bible will devour our favorite passages. They will read it for all it’s worth, where I’m likely to try to read a few words. They know what really matters.

In our Bibles, we have a precious tool - one that gives us hope, one that details how we can live life to the fullest, a tool that can beautifully shape our lives.

But we’ve become comfortable - maybe even complacent - in our lives.

We have the most valuable tool for living life, but we hold it with hands that live in comfort and complacency.

Friends, God is calling us out of our comfort zone. We have been given God’s Word, and when used properly, it can make our lives a beautiful instrument for God’s use.

What if we decided that we would treat our Bibles as the treasure and precious gift that they are? What if we vowed to know where our Bibles are, at all times. What if they started to fall apart from frequent use?

By God’s grace, our life song would be a masterpiece that captures the attention of those around us, and points them to Jesus!

Friends, we have a powerful tool in our hands. We live in an area with such easy access to God’s Word. Many Christians around the world do not have that same access. They would love the Bible in their hands, even in their own language. We are blessed, we are so very blessed.

Let’s treat our Bibles as the powerful, valuable tools that they are. Let’s read and use our Bibles in such a way that honors those who cannot easily access a Bible. Let’s treat this tool that can help to create a masterpiece of our lives, with the reverence and respect it deserves, as God uses this tool to create beautiful masterpieces for His glory!

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More Than Words: Using Words to Dig Deeper Into the Word

January 5, 2025 By Rebekah 8

**Please note - I received a free copy of this product to review. My review is based solely on my opinion, and I am sharing it with you because I believe it fits with my overall purpose to encourage, inspire and help you draw closer to Jesus.

Are you looking for a new and different way to approach devotions? Maybe you’re busy and you don’t feel you have a lot of time for devotions? Or have you been out of the habit of regularly having devotions and you aren’t sure where, or how, to jump back into regular devotions? Stephanie from The MultiTaskin Mom has put together a wonderful, short devotional called “More Than Words - Using Words to Dig Deeper Into the Word” that may be just the tool you need to refocus your time with the Lord.

Stephanie’s devotional is different from other devotionals I’ve used in the past. I have often been drawn to devotionals focusing on different passages, or different themes. This devotional focuses on words. You read the word for the day, and then you define the word. Yes, you might need to make use of a dictionary! I liked the aspect of looking up the meaning of the word so that I could be sure I was understanding it correctly.

After you read and define the word, you go find the word in Scripture. That’s a different twist isn’t it? There is no set Scripture for each day. Rather, you find the word in the Bible (you can use a Bible concordance or an online concordance) and you meditate on that passage for the day. Studying the Scripture containing the word for the day helps you focus on that word and take its meaning to heart.

The next step in the devotional is to write a brief statement of how you will apply what you learned about that word. Maybe you will simply choose to keep studying the word on another day, or maybe God will give you a special insight as to how that word, and the passage, can take root deep in your heart.

The final step in this devotional is a section to write out a prayer over the word. Your word for the day might be {Grace}. After you have defined it, found it in Scripture and considered how to apply the word/passage in your life, you’d write out a short prayer over the word. Perhaps there is a specific instance where you can extend grace to another; this would be a good place to write out a prayer over that situation. Maybe someone extended grace to you; thank God, in this space of the devotional, for that precious gift.

This devotional will not take you long. This is a great way to jump-start your devotions for the new year, or to take a fresh look at some passages that may seem all-too familiar.

Personally, I am participating in the #My500Words challenge - a challenge to write at least 500 words every day (every. single. day.) for the month of January. I’m looking forward to using some of the words in this devotional to be inspiration for some of my days of writing.

If you’re interested in getting this devotional (and I hear there will be more in this series!) head over to Stephanie’s blog where you can place your order. For a limited time, this devotional is just 99 cents - don’t miss out!

Blessings, dear friends!

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A Great Cloud of Witnesses

May 21, 2024 By Rebekah 6

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame,
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
-Hebrews 12:1,2

“Surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses…let us run with perseverance….” I am the daughter of a marathon runner. My dad started running marathons when I was older, so our family was able to go to his races and cheer for him. The course for the marathons made it possible for us to pick a spot where we’d see him several times in his race, and again at the end. As the runners came by, the “great cloud of witnesses” began to cheer for those they knew in the race.

The cheering was not just a nice round of clapping and a small exclamation of excitement, though. It was more of a thunderous roar, cheering on the runners as they came around the bend. You could feel the excitement in the air, you could hear it in the cheering, and you could see it on the faces, all helping to cheer the runners on to their ultimate goal of completing the grueling miles that lay before them. Cheering at the marathon was also exciting because we had no idea what we would see. Some people ran by with ease, others struggled. Others who had spent some time walking would kick it up a notch and muster strength from within to run as they passed a large cheering section – and the cheers would grow even louder as we realized that they were summoning up all their courage and bravery to keep going. Toward the end of the race, some of the runners passed us with obvious injuries – battered from the course they had run.

The passage above is from Hebrews 12, and God has brought it across my path many times in the past few weeks. I wondered about the great cloud of witnesses that are mentioned in the first verse. I pulled out my study Bible and read the notes that go along with chapter 12. The notes suggest that the great cloud of witnesses refer to the people who are noted for their great faith in Hebrews 11. These are people who are examples for us in our faith. I’ve heard and read that many times before, but today it took on new meaning.

“Let us throw off everything that hinders….” Marathon runners carry as little as possible with them when they run. It’s one thing to run a couple of miles holding a water bottle or carrying a snack, but to have to run the grueling race with extras would really wear them down. In a marathon there are stops along the way – water, sports drinks, protein bars. You can’t carry it all with you – it becomes too cumbersome. The same is true in life. We can’t take it all with us. When Jesus calls us to follow Him, we can trust that He will provide what we need. Don’t get wrapped up in things that may take our focus off of the race He’s called us to run.

“Let us run with perseverance…fixing our eyes on Jesus….” To me, this indicates that our race isn’t necessarily going to be an easy one. There will be things in life that will try to distract us; there will be times that it all seems too hard. But when we persevere, and when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we can make it. Those who have gone before have given us the evidence of their faith – a faith that saw them through some tough situations, and ultimately to Jesus.

Today as I was praying for our friends in small group, this all came together for me. As I was considering our friends, this passage in Hebrews 12, and some points from this week’s sermon on being bold, I realized that I want to be someone who is cheering for my friends on the marathon journey God has placed before them. I don’t just want to give a small cheer for them when I see them and then send them on their way again, though. I want to be part of the thunderous applause they hear, regularly, as they run their race. I want to be encouraging them to stay on their marathon course – not to be distracted by anything that might take them off their course. More than just cheering for them, though, I want to be a strong example so that they can see my faith in God.

I am here, cheering for you, as well. My goal is not to give you a pat on the back and send you on your way. Rather, I want the Jesus in me to be loud in your life! I want to see you stay on the course, throw off all that hinders, run with perseverance! I trust that as God has made this little corner of the world available for my thoughts and the outpouring of my heart, that He will provide encouragement for you on your race in life.

Where are you today, on your marathon journey to Jesus?

Are you just starting out, feeling excited and ready to run? Are you part way into the race, looking for nourishment and refreshment? Are you tired, and feeling like you need a break? Are you near the end? Can you feel the great cloud of witnesses even more as you draw near to the heavenly gates? Keep those eyes fixed – on Jesus only – and keep going today!

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Waiting for the King

March 30, 2025 By Rebekah 0

Yesterday I shared some thoughts on Good Friday, and an amazing video that reminds us of what Jesus did for us on the cross. But do you know the One for whom the world was waiting? They were waiting for the king - the King of Kings.

Jesus died on Good Friday, and rose on Easter, but what about Saturday? I wonder how many people were disappointed while waiting for the King. I wonder how many had seen his miracles and now were so confused that He was dead, and buried, with the stone still rolled in front of the tomb?

I wonder if they were shocked that this man who had healed so many people and raised the dead was stuck behind the rock and not using the same power for Himself. I wonder if they questioned all of the miracles they had seen and heard about. I wonder if they gave up on him and decided to go about life as if they’d never crossed his path.

I wonder if they realized that He was a different kind of King. He was not a King who would come blazing in with an army and conquer the world. Rather He was a King who was coming to change hearts and lives.

This video tells us a lot about this King - the King who willingly suffered death on a cross and burial in tomb, all so that we could have Eternity with Him.

I wonder - do you know Him? Are you waiting for the King? Easter is a wonderful weekend to get to know Him. He died, He was buried, but on the third day He rose from the dead. He is alive! He is not in the tomb anymore. The stone was rolled away and the King is with His Father in heaven. Have you made your decision to choose Him? This King seeks to rule your heart, but leaves the choice to you. Will you choose Him? Have you chosen Him? As we wait this Easter weekend, can you say, “That’s MY King!”

Some people are still waiting for the King. They don’t realize He has already come to pay the price for us, and that He will come back someday. We can rejoice this day before Easter, knowing that He is alive!

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Filed Under: having faith in God, holidays, inspiration and motivation Tagged With: Easter, My King, SM Lockridge

Your One Thing

February 27, 2025 By Rebekah 0

Tell me if this sounds familiar: You’re making your way through your day. It’s not the best day, but things are going well. You might change a few things if you could, but you’re up and at ‘em, and really, that’s all that matters in the moment. And then, BAM! Along comes that one thing that derails all those decent feelings you were just having.

This happened to me today. I was on my way to take our son to therapy. We’d been a bit rushed, but things were going okay. I was wishing that the weather wasn’t so gray and rainy, but I can’t change the weather, so I was choosing to just be happy that we’d gotten up and ready and out the door on time.

And then - BAM! - a traffic jam on the highway. I drove past the exit before ours, knowing our exit was 4 miles away and wondering if I should have exited sooner, but given the weather, I figured all the other possible routes were just as congested. And sometimes, there’s a lot of traffic, but it opens up a bit before our exit. Well that was not the case today. Not only did it NOT open it, it stopped. Several times. I knew we’d be late. I was frustrated that a 45-minute drive could take almost twice as long in bad weather. I was wondering what kind of traffic patterns there are that cause major back-ups on all the highways if there’s an accident on just one road? I was generally frustrated and not happy that we’d be late. My attitude took a major dive.

Just moments before, I was feeling okay about the day, but that ONE incident happened and I let that one thing take over and determine my attitude.

I think sometimes we give away too much power to that one negative that tries to creep in.

What if I had let the traffic continue to affect my mood? What if I stressed about our inevitable tardy arrival to therapy? I may have been more inclined to speed - and in that weather, it would have been even more unwise than usual. I may have snapped at my son, making him feel badly for something outside of our control. I may have made other unwise and unsafe decisions while driving - speeding to get through a yellow light, or swerving in and out of traffic to get to an open lane.

That one thing could have had such a negative impact on my day. It could have completely altered my day, maybe my life. What started as one small, negative thing, completely out of my control, could have changed everything.

What if we didn’t give away so much power to THAT ONE THING?

Because I was feeling tempted to hurry, and knowing that would have led to unwise decisions, it was pretty easy to recognize that I had given too much power to this one thing, completely outside my control. And I think that’s the key - I think we need to work on taking every thought captive. I think we need to realize that living in peace, or in joy, or in contentedness is a choice. It is our choice. Every day, and every moment.

But it takes work. It takes effort to consciously consider just what you’re thinking about. It takes a desire to want to change our reactions so as to consider how we can get our heart to where we want it to be, rather than to let it be dragged along to where that one negative thing may take it.

So the big question -

What are some ways that we can keep our focus and our heart where we want it to be?

*Be Aware - Consider what you are thinking about; consider how you are feeling.

*Choose Positives - Sometimes it’s hard to get ourselves out of that negative rut. Find something positive and focus on that - make that your “new”one thing.

*Invest Elsewhere - Once you’ve chosen something positive to focus on, lean into it. If you are focusing on great weather, go all out - notice the sunshine, the beautiful clouds, the temperature. You’ll probably notice that you also see beautiful leaves, you may hear the songs the birds sing, you may smell the sweet fragrance of new flowers. Your ONE CHOICE to shift your focus will inevitably lead to other wonderful things to focus on - a better way to invest your energy.

*Take Note - I find it very helpful to go back over the situation later; to reflect on other choices I could have made; to note if I chose wisely.

*Attitude of Gratitude - When we can be thankful for something, no matter how small, it becomes so much easier to be thankful for the next thing. As we focus on the many things we can be thankful for, we fill up our heart with those things, leaving less and less room for the negatives.

CHALLENGE:

If you notice a situation like this, work on focusing your energy and your heart where it should be focused.

How will you change what you’re thinking to avoid giving too much power to that one thing?

What will become your new one thing on which you’ll focus?

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Focus On Joy

November 13, 2024 By Rebekah 0

Here we are, in the season of giving thanks. Usually this is a favorite time of the year for me, so full of many things for which to be thankful. This season is still my favorite and I’m already savoring the precious moments to focus on joy, gratitude and love. However, some recent events have left me needing to work harder to find my joy.

In the past month, we’ve lost -
*Tim’s job (that one that gave him the ability to work from home)
*Our power for a few days during Hurricane Sandy
*Some fridge and freezer food (not much, just some)
*A car, due to an accident that Tim was involved in (the other guy was at fault). Thankfully, Tim was not hurt, and I don’t think the other man was, either.That list looks a little daunting in terms of needs and making life work on a day-to-day basis. If that was the end of it, I could definitely understand how I, or someone else in this situation, could feel a lack of joy. Sometimes, though, you really have to work - HARD! - to keep your focus where it should be. And focusing on joy is requiring me to take a good look at my blessings.

Oswald Chambers

In the past month, we’ve received -
*The news that, despite an accident, Tim wasn’t injured
*The gift of some clothing for our daughter - including a gorgeous Christmas dress
*Several gifts of food (including a type of cereal that I *never* buy for the kids - they’re THRILLED!)
*The blessing that all things related to the car accident are taken care of by our insurance including the use of a rental car until our car is fixed or until it’s determined that it’s totaled (The mechanic didn’t think it would be totaled, but won’t know for sure until he starts taking it apart)
*Several gifts in various forms
*So much encouragement
*A second opinion from an orthodontist, that is saving us time (in the form of appointments we no longer need) and money (no longer needing to pay for braces)
*The opportunity to trust that God knows what He is doing, even when we are uncertain.

When I look at that list, it’s a little easier to truly focus on joy, which is where I want my heart and my mind to be - especially at this time of year.

Anyone else struggling with focusing on joy right now? Feel free to share any thoughts or techniques that work for you, to help maintain your focus.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year - and that’s where I want my focus to be! Circumstances may knock us down for a bit, or leave us wondering why, but they cannot steal our joy!

Life is like a piano...

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Autumn

October 1, 2024 By Rebekah 3

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”

-Albert Camus

This is my favorite time of the year. The long days of summer have passed; the cold, East coast winter has not set in yet. It’s still warm enough to get outside to enjoy the sunshine on our faces. And the deep, warm colors are appearing everywhere we look – pumpkins, trees, shrubs, plants. Beautiful!

In our home, autumn brings with it a natural slowing down of life. We have settled into the new school year after a few bumpy weeks. The days begin to get shorter and we start to note, sometimes daily, how soon the evening comes. We seem to buy more hot cocoa at this time of year, preparing for cool, crisp nights and brisk mornings. I can’t bear to turn the heat on, not yet. Soon enough it will go on and warm our home, but for now you’ll find us snuggled under blankets, putting on a pair of socks and enjoying the last few days of keeping the windows open.

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This is the time of year when people begin to reflect back on the year. For some it’s been long, for others it seems to have passed too quickly. Yet it seems that we all take some time, during autumn, to reflect and remember. With each leaf that changes color, with each vibrant color of fall plant, we pause and realize that we are one moment closer to finishing another year.

We deal with special needs in our home and this has taught us so many things. One of the most important, though, is that each moment is special and each victory is worth celebrating, not just for this son, but for all of our children! As I reflect on the year our kids have had, I’m always amazed – so many noteworthy remembrances. They are learning and growing remarkably well, they are all healthy, all have their special interests and are pursuing those, all are showing spiritual growth and depth. I cannot ask for more!

As I consider, particularly, our son with special needs, a wonderful thought occurs to me. We have intentionally focused on celebrating every small victory for him and for our other two children. Every one of them. Because of that, my heart is full. As I pause and look around at each warm, vibrant shade of autumn, I am overwhelmed – each changing leaf, each lovely shade of autumn, represents a warm memory of our year. Maybe it was a pronouncement of physical health by our favorite pediatrician; maybe it was a new skill learned and mastered; maybe it was a kindness extended to another. We’ve come a long way and every autumn gives me a chance to reflect on that and to enjoy the warm remembrances that fill my heart!

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Filed Under: family focused, gratitude and appreciation, inspiration and motivation

The Little Things

July 30, 2024 By Rebekah 9

Last week, my son had 3 hours of back-to-back therapy. That’s not our usual schedule, and the day was stressful with an added, different therapist since one of his regulars was on vacation. By the end of the three hours, he was notably worn out - I mean, he’s 8 years old. 3 hours of therapy, no matter what kind, is stressful and tiring. He did a great job and kept himself together very well.On the way home, we pass a farm with many seasonal fruits and veggies. They also have a “cut your own zinnias” section. 20 flowers for $1.75. Couldn’t resist! Our weather has been hot, hot, hot, and that particular day was only about 87degrees (funny when that sounds cool) so we stopped to cut some flowers. It’s the little things…As we walked, we looked for good flowers. We talked about how to take care of the flowers. He picked different colored ones with different people in mind - sister, brother, Dad, Mom, himself. It was evident that his stress was minimizing as we walked up and down each row.The point? Sometimes, to get rid of stress and anxiety, all that you need to do is stop and smell the roses, or stop and cut some zinnias. It really is the little things that can help us to focus, de-stress and get back on track. Remember that as we start the week.

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Filed Under: family focused, inspiration and motivation, special needs family

What Makes You Beautiful

But, really, what makes you beautiful?

You are beautiful because someone wants you.
Because Someone wants you.

I AM BEAUTIFUL.

Inspiration

What Really Matters

It’s not the tool in the hand that matters;
it’s whose hand the tool is in that makes the difference.

More Than Words: Using Words to Dig Deeper Into the Word

A Great Cloud of Witnesses

Waiting for the King

Your One Thing

Focus On Joy

Autumn

The Little Things

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But, really, what makes you beautiful?

You are beautiful because someone wants you. Because Someone wants you.

I AM BEAUTIFUL.

It’s not the tool in the hand that matters; it’s whose hand the tool is in that makes the difference.

Welcome!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Follow me on Pinterest

Facebook

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Contributor at

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Archives

Top Posts & Pages

You are beautiful because someone wants you.
Because Someone wants you.

It’s not the tool in the hand that matters;
it’s whose hand the tool is in that makes the difference.