The Rat Race

I'm sure you've heard the expression "The Rat Race of Life".  I am unfamiliar of where this expression originated, but I have known it for years to be associated with the quickness and fast pace of daily living.


Today I was reading about life spans of various animals, I know, strange topic!  Look at a few of these:
MAMMALS
Beavers - 19 years
Elephant - 69 years
Hippopotamus - 49 years
Squirrel - 16 years

REPTILES
Box Turtle - 123 years
Cobra - 28 years
Giant Tortoise - 152 years


I don't know if you perceive a pattern, but it seems the "slower" animals live longer than the "faster" animals.  It leaped off the page at me as God told me to "slow down" and enjoy life!  My mother is always telling me that I am too busy (and I know you are reading this, Mom). She is absolutely right, and my response (excuse) is always, "there's nothing I can do about it...this is just my life."

You know, this is my life and there is not much I can do to change all the responsibilities I have as a wife, mother, teacher, pastor's wife, and friend, but I need to take the time each day to slow down, meditate in the Word, thank God, and look for opportunities to help others.  Sometimes in the hectic days of life, we just need to SLOW DOWN from the Rat Race and reflect, rest and renew our souls, minds, and spirits.

So if you want to be a "busy beaver" or a "jumping squirrel", go right ahead.  I am going to try my best to slow down like an elephant, hippo, or a tortoise because if you remember, the tortoise always won the race!!!

Blessings!

November...The Month of Giving Thanks

I cannot believe November is already here and almost half way over!  Where does time go?  I've heard the older you get, the faster time flies.  I'm learning that is very true, and I'm not sure what is going to happen when I turn 40....a rapid spiral decline?  lol

With the month of November at hand and the fact there are 30 days in November, I decided to list the 30 things I am most thankful for.  These are in no particular order except #1.

1.  My salvation through Jesus Christ.  There is no other name by which we are saved.

2.  My wonderful husband who is everything to me.  I could not have been given a more patient, kind, and loving gift from God.

3.  My beautiful teenage daughter.  She is truly beauty inside and out and fun to hang out with!

4.  My very entertaining 5 year old son who keeps me young (and tired).

5.  My parents...my heros....my inspiration.

6.  My baby sister who makes me proud.  What a great woman she has turned into. (and of course, I love her family too)
7.  My extended family.  God has given me great in-laws.
8.  My job.  I am blessed to be a teacher at Siloam Springs High School and teach some of the most wonderful teenagers I know.  A lot of people don't think the next generation is going to make it, but there is definitely a group in Siloam Springs who are awesome and are world changers!
9.  My essential needs are met.  Thank you Lord!
10.  My church family.  When you do not have the privilege of living close to relatives, it is such a blessing to have an incredible church family who loves you in spite of your humanness.
11.  My friends.  What an amazing group of girlfriends I have! I love you all!
12.  My Bible.  I am thankful to have the opportunity to read God's Word whenever I want and wherever I want.  I never want to take that for granted.
13.  I am proud to be an American!  I am blessed to live in the USA and count it an honor to pledge allegiance to the flag every day!
14.  My freedom!

15.  The ability to sing and worship the Lord.  I love to sing His praises!
16.  Encouraging words.  These can make the difference in your day. 
17. The simple things in life...quiet moments, dandelions, falling leaves, a calm breeze.

18.  I am highly favored!

19.  Pictures....memories truly last forever with photos and bring a smile to my face.
20.  Sweet Iced Tea, a great Southern treat!
21.  Modern conveniences...cell phones (most of the time), air conditioning, hair spray, internet, etc.  I'm glad I live in this day and time.
22. Flowers...my favorite is the gerbera daisy.  Of course, pink roses from my husband are special, too!
23.  Living in Northwest Arkansas. It's a great place to raise a family.
24.  My yorkies.  Even though they don't always make me happy, it's nice to come home and know at least the dogs are happy you are there!
25.  Seasons.  Isn't God amazing for His creativity?
26.  Pecan pie...need I say more?
27.  Transportation besides horse and buggy.  Lucky me!
28.  Vacations.  It is one of our family's favorite times of year.
29.  Missionaries.  Without these servants, how would the Good News be spread around the world?  They are His hands and feet to the nations.
30.  Thanksgiving.  What a blessing to give thanks!

I challenge you to take a few minutes to reflect on what you are thankful for this November.  You might not make an all-inclusive list like me, but be sure to have a heart of thanksgiving.  I know my list could have been longer, but these were the things that came to me as I blogged.

Happy Thanksgiving!