Month: April 2012

  • Choices and Fear & Doubt

    These are the words that have been boldly on my mind. These are the themes in my life right now. What my heart seems to keep centering on and tuning into. It’s certainly not coincidence that moments, stories, books, and TV show episodes have caught my attention on these subjects. The Lord never ceases to amaze me. I get excited about these things and then I think uh-oh what am I about to learn or be taught.

    It’s no surprise that all three of these words can be linked. Fear and doubt most definitely can play a role in our choices. I’ve been excited about what this chapter in my life may bring. However I have had my fears. I get fired up and say okay God lets go! Then I think okay but nothing too hard. That is when my fear of failure comes in. I don’t want things to be easy breezy though. I do want some challenges in my life. I wish I didn’t doubt some of my abilities. I wish I didn’t doubt how God can use me. I get inspired by the people He used in the Bible, as well as the people He uses now. Nothing is impossible with God. Then why do I waste my time on fear and doubt. Pshh.. I haven’t a clue other than the fact that I am human. As long as I don’t let it control me I think I’m doing okay. Maybe sometimes it’s because I need to remember scripture or a time when God has shown me his faithfulness. I’ve gotten a lot better at discerning when the spirit of doubt is tip-toeing its way in. I’ve been able to shut it down before days go by.

    I’ve been a big advocate for good choices. I understand that all choices have consequences, even good choices. That can be really difficult. But, I’d rather be persecuted for doing what is right, then doing something that is wrong. I’m not always gonna do my best. Sometimes I make mistakes and fall short. When I do fall short I have to remember not to beat myself up. There’s another place doubt can slip in if I let it.

    We all have fears and doubts and it’s important to rebuke it when necessary. Memorizing scripture or turning to prayer in these times is a good place to start. Remember who you are in Christ. I also like turning to Beth Moore’s five points:

    “God is who He says He is.”
    “God can do what He says He can do.”
    “I am who God says I am.”
    “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.”
    “God’s word is alive and active in me.”

    (I actually have these written on a note-card taped over my kitchen sink.)

    Peace, love, & (most importantly) Jesus,

    helmschick –out

  • Commitment

    Commitment is a word that can spark fear as it rolls off the tongue or as eyes read over it. A word that can be associated with an almost never ending series of “What Ifs”. Commitment is a word that attaches itself to other words such as trust, binding, contract, the end, vulnerable, life, love, respect, renewal, and I’m sure I could go on. Whatever words come to mind for you really depend on your outlook of commitment.

    Everyone has been affected by commitment. Everyone has had a fear of commitment at some point in their life. Whether it was a romantic relationship, a friendship, an engagement, a contract, or a relationship with Christ. Most want to know what it will cost them. It is a valid question. How much time, money, effort, and self will I have to give? When you really think about it just how much of yourself you’re willing to give is probably a good wager of how much you will get back. With any relationship (and I am talking about a deeper more intimate kind of relationship)vulnerability, trust, time, and respect are requirements.

    If the word commitment makes us gasp for air or sends us into a frenzy of panic, we should definitely take the time to figure out why. Perhaps there is good reason. Perhaps it’s a good warning sign. Sometimes a person has burnt us one to many times. However, sometimes we have things we need to let go of and heal from. Trust can be rebuilt. Love can be renewed. Respect can be learned. Fear itself should never have a hold over us and no one should be able to rob us completely of love and vulnerability. We were made for connection.

    I remember an episode of Buffy, the Vampire Slayer called Fear Itself. Everyone was so afraid of the fear demon that was going to manifest itself at some point in the episode. In the end it did and it was only a few inches tall. Who makes fear big?!

    Never let fear get the best of you. If commitment scares you get to the core of why and face it, be honest. Work through it and heal. There are people and choices out there that are worth giving to.

    Peace, love, & Jesus,

    helmschick –out

  • Randoms on the brain

    Frustration is your brain trying to figure out the why’s of people’s behavior.

    Acceptance is knowing in your heart that the why’s still won’t justify the behavior. Plus trying to understand the behavior probably isn’t going to help either, because you won’t really understand, and most of the why’s never feel like good enough reason. So, basically brain needs to accept what heart already has. So, accept it brain and quit with the headaches already.

    For the record I’m done with American Idol. Over it. I decided weeks ago. I really wasn’t going to watch this season anyway. My love for music and curiosity got the best of me. But, now maybe I have closure. Jimmy Iovine is a big music exec, I get that. What I don’t get is why they have his criticism on every result show. For me it’s like nails on a chalkboard. Honestly I was recording it so I could fast forward his opinions. No offense Jimmy, plus its only my opinion anyway. But, isn’t it kind of overkill?

    Why is it so hard to make friends. Before I was married my closest friends were two guys. Then I married one of them. So, my closest friend is still a guy =). (hubby really is the other half of me) I have a few girlfriends that I’ve know for many years. Don’t get me wrong I’m uber grateful for these ladies, I just wish that as well as close to my heart they could be close in proximity.
    It’s just really hard making new friends. I don’t want fair weather friends. I want Carpe Diem kinds of friends, you know.

    I also really need to find me a Women’s Bible study to get involved in. A Women’s ministry even.

    I went and saw The Lucky One today. I read the book and liked it. The movie was pretty good, but I wish it would have kept with the book a bit more. The cast was really good.  Maybe I shouldn’t read the books before seeing the movies anymore.

    On another note, I am a very grateful woman. I love my ogre, haflings, grandpaws, and puppy dog. My hubby, kids, and critters bring me lots of joy. Through laughter and tears. I’m grateful for all God is doing. I’m grateful that He is still molding me and healing me. Imperfect saved by grace but somehow I feel humbly perfect in His unfailing love.

    Peace, love, & Jesus,

    helmschick –out

  • They Judge

    They judge you if you Do
    They judge you if you Don’t
    They judge you because they can

    They tell lies
    And despise you,
    Who really knows why?

    Are they bitter?
    Are they jealous?
    Or just plain selfish

    They send guilt messages
    They try to manipulate

    Are they broken in anguish?
    Do they ever feel remorse?

    Are their hearts so completely hardened
    that they’ve lost all their hope?

    –helmschick

  • For Love of Writing

    Currently
    Dubbed & Freq’d: A Remix Project
    By TobyMac

    see related

    Toby Mac was on the view this morning. He rocked it out and loved what he had to say. Love me some Toby Mac.

     

     Persuaded is the word of the day.

    I’ve been persuaded to doubt what I do, how I write, and sharing it.Then I was persuaded to quit. However now I have been persuaded to make a statement. Doubt and fear are not allowed here!! It’s my blog and I will write if I want. Not only that but, I write because I am led to.

    It’s my Blog
    It’s therapy
    It’s ranting and perhaps rambling
    Love and joy
    Pain and grief
    It’s my blog
    It’s my life

    It’s being a Christian
    Being a woman
    Being a wife
    It’s Being a mother
    It’s my blog
    It’s my life

    It’s random?!?
    It’s ordered
    Relevant
    A piece of Me
    It’s my blog
    It’s my life

    It’s faith
    It’s trust
    Patience
    Learning
    Being obedient
    It’s making mistakes
    It’s my blog
    It’s my life.

    It’s hope
    It’s How I roll
    It’s How to Deal
    It’s my blog
    It’s my life.

    Peace, love, & Jesus,

    helmschick -out

    P.S. I got me some TobyMac stuck in my head,

    “Cause we wanna rise, We wanna touch the other side, We wanna soar, We wanna reach right out for more”  TobyMac, Tonight

  • Do you judge a book by it’s cover?

    What I have read so far this year:

    Men Are Like Waffles Women Are Like Spaghetti
    Uncharted TerriTORI
    The Vow
    Thereby Hangs A Tale
    The Lucky One

    What I am currently reading:

    Cast Of Characters ( Common People in the Hands of An Uncommon GOD)
    The Love Revolution
    Hope for Your Heart

    How do you choose a book to read? Does a catchy title grab your attention? Does color or artwork play a part? Is your choice dependent on what you are going through at the moment? Does time of year play a part? Do you research books online or browse certain topics? If someone suggests a book do you check it out? Do you like buying ebooks or are you old fashioned like me? Do you love going to the bargain book section at the bookstore? Do you have a favorite bookstore? Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction? Do you like biographies?

    I love a catchy title. A lot of times what I am going through at the time can influence what I read. I love Christian living books From time to time I enjoy a good nonfiction book. My favorite bookstore is Mardels. However I love bookstores in general. I love bargain books, too. I love it when I can get four books for fifteen dollars it makes me feel special. When someone suggests a book I like to look it up online and read an excerpt out of it.

    I love to read. I love how books can teach you things and help comfort you. I love to read about scriptures, what they mean and how they are relevant. I love to read about real people, what they go through, how they cope, and what they learn. I love a good redemption story. I love to read about miracles. When others share their stories we learn things and we learn that we are not alone in our trials. God has spoken to me through so many different books. I can’t imagine my life without them.

    Peace, love, & Jesus,

    helmschick –out

  • Love Revolution (Kindness matters)

    Currently
    The Love Revolution
    By Joyce Meyer
    see related

     

    One of the books I have been reading is called the Love Revolution. (Anytime I read or hear the word Revolution, I automatically hear the Beatles song queue… You say you wanna Revolution, well you know,We all wanna change the world.) This book is about different ways we can help and show love to others. Whether you can give money, time, or a smile even. A smile can change a persons day, no lie.

    “It is a call to being.. being a person who helps a friend in need…who helps a stranger in need.. who practices aggressive acts of kindness.”

    I like that phrase “Aggressive acts of kindness”. Kindness on Purpose! Sometimes it’s hard when we are all wrapped up in our own bubble of daily struggle. Some days we miss out. Some days we are the ones that need to be ministered to or shown love. It’s hard to make each day less about you, but it can be done.  

    I take more time to smile and make eye contact with people. How many times have you been to the grocery store and the cashier only asks you for your money? Same  with out to eat or going through the drive-thru? What happened to hello? Yes, it’s annoying but instead of griping or rolling your eyes what if you show kindness. What if you smile and ask how are you doing. What if you say have a nice day. What about when you are driving down the road and someone cuts you off. Instead of getting annoyed or swearing, why not take a deep breath and remember you are not a perfect driver either.

    As christians we are called to love. Not all of my friends are christians. I have some friends who don’t know what they believe. I have some friends who are atheist. However, whoever you are or what you believe, we could all be more kinder. I also hope that all of my friends know that I am here if you need someone to lend an ear, a prayer request, or if you need some positive reinforcement. Let’s all practice a little more kindness and show some love. We all need it.

    Peace. love, & Jesus,

    helmschick –out

    P.S. Let us also not forget our please and thank yous. They go along way and are pretty simple acts of kindness.

  • Relationships, Forgiveness, Reconciliation, & Love

    For the past eight years God has been working on relationships in my life. First it started with my relationship with Him. I got saved when I was in seventh grade. I believed in God and I believed Jesus was the son of God, and asked Him to live in my heart. There was so much I still needed to learn about being a christian. That learning/maturing didn’t really come till later. In 2004, I rededicated my life to Christ and sought Him like never before. I wanted to know what it meant to be a Godly woman, wife, and mother. I knew my life was not complete without Him. During that time I started writing and reading all the time. I wanted as much wisdom and truth as I could get my hands on. I had written a few poems/monologues before when I was in high school, but this writing I started was different. It came so easy and all I had to do was pick up a pen when the words started flowing. I was so excited about how God was using me and ready to really live. But, I was going through a really difficult time in my marriage and I was really sad. Then God’s peace embraced me and I knew that no matter what everything was going to be okay.

    Next God revealed to me a friendship that wasn’t working. It was getting in the way of time with my husband and time with my kids. I had to learn to say no even though it was difficult. I didn’t want to make my friend angry.

    After that God revealed things in my marriage that weren’t right yet.Things had not changed years previous. Things had just been covered up and never worked out. I am so thankful that God first worked on me and drew me closer to Him before He worked on my marriage.These were the hardest years of my life. But, God kept saying Believe, Trust me, and Persevere.

    Then God showed me that my relationship with my parents needed to change. We’d had a rocky relationship to begin with. I needed to finally stand up for myself.

    Of all the relationships only half have been reconciled. My relationship with God in 2004 and my relationship with my husband in 2008. In any loving relationship there has to be forgiveness. Forgiveness only takes one person. But, in order to heal you have to forgive the wrongs/hurts so you can become a whole and healthy person. Forgiveness is a process. Reconciliation takes two. You have to be able to admit when you are wrong, apologize, and change. We all have to take responsibility for our own actions and stop blaming others or trying to justify bad choices. In love we owe it to each other. Love does not fail. People fail at love. If we would stop being self centered and more self controlled not only would our own lives be blessed, but we would bless those around us.

    Peace, love, & Jesus,

    helmschick –out

  • Easter

    When Easter is near there are so many memories that replay on my heart and in my mind. First, I am so grateful for Jesus. He was so undeserving of the brutality He endured. He gave His life for mine. I never want to forget or take His gift for granted. In 2004, I rededicated my life to Christ. He has taught me so much. I have healed so much. He has comforted me through so many terrifying storms. I’ve said before and I will say again, He has been at the Helm for this chick always and He has been my anchor. I have been set free from lies, fear, trying to measure up, and so many heartaches. I am so thankful to be restored and renewed. My heart sings at the joy I experience because of my Savior.

    “My Savior loves, My Savior lives, My Savior’s always there for me, My God He was, My God He is, My God He’s always gonna be”
                          -Aaron Shust

     

    Second, Easter reminds me of the birth of my youngest brother. Easter morning before mom went into labor, we woke up to enjoy our Easter baskets. When we looked into his crib we found that the Easter bunny had left a basket for him as well. It was a purple basket with a chicky and a bunny sitting inside. I was ten years old at the time and I thought that was too cool. However when mom brought Spenser home from the hospital I thought that was even better.

    Third, I think of my cousin Courtney. It was the last holiday we spent with her. She was four years old and full of life. She was a wild child with a sweet scruffy voice. She loved to swing and would ask you to swing her high enough to give Jesus a high-five. She loved Jesus and she would pray with my grandma at naptime. Her favorite thing that Easter was the egg hunt. When her other grandparents called that evening to talk to her, she tried to show them all her Easter eggs through the phone. She was precious and her life and death were a witness to us. (Someday I will tell you the rest of the story.)

    Fourth, and probably kinda silly, but none the less, a memory. I remember one Easter when I was in highschool, I got the tape, yes tape Jesus Freak  by DC Talk. Yes the Easter bunny brought it! And I foundly remember my brother, father, and I head banging to it in the living room.

    These are a few of the things that come to mind for me. What memories stir for you?

    Peace, Love, & Jesus,

    helmschick –out