Friday, September 23, 2011

Back to School!



Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. As a child, I loved going "Back to School" because everything was NEW! I loved shopping for new crayons and a new lunchbox, making new friends and having a new classroom teacher. And of course, who doesn't look forward to that crisp air, football season (Geaux Tigers!), and the anticipation of holiday celebrations just around the corner?! My kids definitely share the same enthusiasm. They love the "Back to School" shopping for new clothes, tennis shoes, and supplies! We make a production out of it and have SO much fun shopping as a family. I get JUST as excited for them!

I loved school so much, that before I became a wife and mom, I became a teacher and taught at Bethany Christian in Louisiana. It was my PURE JOY to be there. I loved my teaching staff, my students, and all the parents. I had the privilege of coaching their varsity cheerleaders for many years. I developed even more of a passion to teach and learn as the years went by. School was my home and my sanctuary (Literally and Physically!! My classroom was the first room off the foyer of our main church auditorium!)

But after I begin having my own children, I didn't want to give up being with them, so I chose to stay at home. Instead of teaching other people's children, it was time to teach my own! Having a family was my PASSION. And by choice, I didn't want to give up my time with my children. Year after year, for 10 years now, I have been blessed to stay with them. Now, that my oldest is 5th grade and my youngest is Pre-K and they have all headed "back to school" I am left wondering what new beginnings I personally will have to look forward to this fall!

I can RELATE to all you moms out there that are feeling the need to DISCOVER what you should be doing with your time. You love your family and want to watch out for them, and yet you feel the need to be everywhere- all the time- meeting everyone's needs. And LORD HELP US!!! Facebook, social networking, the internet, emails, invites, and PINTEREST (I love that website!) can make us feel like we are less than the average woman. Maybe this fall, instead of tackling the to-do lists, you can give yourself permission to settle down on the outside so you can start to settle down on the INSIDE! Get yourself a brand new notebook, find a quiet spot, and begin to let the Lord lead you in HIS direction this season! Don't allow that busy world to influence the way you lead YOUR daily lives. You are a child of God- created in His image. He has something new for you to discover, and it will come when we spend more time WITH HIM, not with our check-lists! Go Back-to School- find out what God is saying to you, what things HE wants you to learn! I am challenging myself to refocus this fall on being a better student in the Word, and and definitely I hope to become a better listener!

Love and Prayers for you this Friday :)

This was my FAVORITE book as a child- Now it is one of my kids favorite too!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Daily Devotion: DREAM ON!




This fall, I've been challenged in my life to "Dream On!" There are times when it seems dreams are real and times they just seem to dwindle away. If you're like me, maybe you have been carrying a dream around for a long time? Let me encourage you today- Don't let it go. DREAM ON!

Begin to see yourself beyond just what you see in the mirror. You are more than a conquerer because of the power of Jesus who lives in you! Refuse to believe what the world says about you and counter those thoughts with what GOD's Word says.

When God puts a dream in your heart, there's no limit to what you can do! He placed those dreams inside you to IGNITE a passion so that you will PURSUE them. So don't give up on your dreams just because others have no clue how to do it- it's not their dream! Just because it seems impossible doesn't mean it can't be done.

Habakkuk 2:2 says:

"Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it."

When we take the time to write out what's in our hearts, then God can begin to do his part to see our dreams come true. (Just make certain they line up with God's Word!)

RUN with joy today! Maybe the joy on the inside of you will spark God's dream on the inside of someone else. DREAM ON!



Why do I Blog?


I read the other day a quote from a pastor I highly respect, that stated, "DILIGENCE: Is investing all your energy to complete the task assigned to you. The antonym is procrastination." So my guilt is catching up with me because I felt some time ago that I should begin blogging my daily devotions.

I have discovered in my own life that my days are FAR better when I start them with "God first." When I read my Bible, I journal and I LOVE IT. I guess that's why I majored in English- I love to read, write, and share! My hope is that each day, if you have time to read this blog, you will find some encouragement. Without God's Word, I am helpless. As I am navigating through my own life- managing family, household, relationships and all of life's interruptions, I need all the strength I can get! If you would like to join me on this journey, please feel free to let me know so that I may also keep up with you! I'm striving to become more DILIGENT to write and use this window to the world to promote God's love, goodness, and mercy. We ALL need it EVERY minute of EVERY day!

Much love,

Hayley

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for BUILDING OTHERS UP according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.


Tuesday, May 17, 2011

RUN THE RACE!

RUN THE RACE!


Summer is approaching... FINALLY!!! I think instead of kids awards day, there should be a "Parents" awards day! Maybe like:

"My child was dressed for the day, head to toe without forgetting anything at home!"

"Healthiest Lunch Award goes to....."

"Kids overslept but made it to school in LESS THAN 20 minutes before the tardy bell rang and didn't get stopped by a Madison Cop Award!" (Troy and I could win this one!)

WHEW!!! Equipping your children for their day, knowing it will affect their future is a full time job! HATS OFF to all the moms and dads who labor to take care of their little ones EVERY SINGLE DAY!!! You all deserve an award! Many days Troy and I feel like we are in a race: a race of time, a race to get out the door and on to the next event, or a race to see everyone and do everything that comes up on the calendar. But we have learned that even though there are lots of things worth racing for, none of them matter as much as the RACE of LIFE that the Lord has set before us.

WIth summer approaching, I plan to STOP and just re-check my status in the Race of Life, so I don't wear myself out!!! If you are like me and feel the need for a re-check, here are 3 thoughts for the summer:

1. GET UP AND RUN!

(Acts 20:24)

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Get in the Race! The RACE we are to be running is to testify of the Good News of Jesus and tell of His grace. Some days, the hardest part for me is just getting started. In a given day, no matter what our occupation or specific talents and responsibilities are, everyone should have this goal in mind when they wake up and go to sleep. "If I can put my head on my pillow each night and KNOW that I have shared God's love and grace to my family or those in my reach, I have RUN the race of the day." REGARDLESS of how many other things there are on the "TO-DO" list, just GET UP AND RUN!

2. BREATHE!!!

I can't run fast and I am SO tired!! WHY?
I ask myself this question all the time. Check out the following scripture:

(Hebrews 12:1-3)

1 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. 2 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. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Feeling weary and losing heart? The things that slow me down are things that I sometimes CARRY with me while I'm running! It's just like taking a lap around the track- when everybody running has those cool wind shorts that breathe air so they can glide faster, I have a backpack full of JUNK in it- imagine trying to win running like that?!!!

I have to learn to THROW IT OFF! It could be something as simple as over-committing to another calendar event, when I could just easily have said no. It could be that I have procrastinated and not given myself time to finish a job that has to get done. (I think women especially take on way more than they can handle because they want to prove they CAN do something! I know I've been there before.) But what really matters- man's opinion or God's? Say no to the things that weigh you down- especially if it is a sin you know has kept you heavy hearted. You have a choice to put it down and RUN!

Hebrews 12:2 Also says if we FIX our eyes on Jesus, it will help us get going in the right direction. Jesus ran hard to the finish line because of the JOY set before him- He was RUNNING FOR YOU AND ME AND HE DIDN'T QUIT! I can guarantee you our race is not as difficult as His was- Thank you Lord!


3. FINISH STRONG!!!!

Can I actually WIN this race??

(Philippians 3:14)

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

I have a lot of friends who like to run for fun, and then there are those who run to WIN. Back at my home church in Baton Rouge, we had a whole group of Olympic athletes who competed in Track and Field- they are amazing!! Many of them from Jamaica-they had awesome physique and very cool accents! I knew that whatever they were competing, they were in it to win it!
I bet if you asked, they would tell you they spent hours and months and days and years preparing for that big day. It wouldn't be good enough to just "enter" the race. They were running as if to WIN the prize. I'm sure at the race, they set their eyes on the prize of an Olympic Medal!

The prize I want to win is the "WELL DONE!" award when I cross over to eternity!
If you ask me, training for my lane in the race has been awesome! I have been blessed by
getting to do what I LOVE to do- be a mom, a wife, serve in our local church, create, and dream and share life with friends! But there have been some hard parts of the training. Sometimes sore muscles and a fatigued body don't even compare to a crushed spirit, feeling grieved by hurt words, or just discouraged and lonely at times. We ALL experience those painful emotions on the journey that make us want to just quit.

Let me encourage you today- DON'T QUIT!!! You not only represent yourself, but a whole team! You have your family and those in your window that need your special touch. But beyond that, the entire team of believers needs you to do your part in the race. You are created unique and have a PLACE in this race of life. YOU ARE A VALUABLE TEAM PLAYER! When you start to feel like throwing in the towel, put your shoes back on: Get up and run, lay aside the weights, and FINISH STRONG. You will hear those words one day, "WELL DONE!" and it will have all been worth it.

I believe in you and I'm cheering you on!!!

Have a blessed day :)

HPC

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Getting my four out the door today looked something like this:

7:00 Woke up- overslept.
7:15 Wake up Christopher, get him dressed for class pics- hope he didn't miss it!
7:45 Took him to school while the others stirred (Whew! He made it before class pic)
8:00 Checked him in school, went home to get everyone else dressed.
8:30 Made toast for breakfast, packed snacks and lunches and backpacks.
9:00 In the meantime, looking for everyone's socks and shoes. Thankful laundry was done.
9:15 Load up the car. Had to trace our hands for a parent project for school.
9:20 Kids off to school with Troy. BREATHE!
9:40 Troy calls- "Lauren can't go to school til lunch time- they are taking the OLSAT test
and they said she has to sit in the office, so I figured it was best to bring her home."
Lauren gets home, I get a shower. Get Dressed. Stare at the house wondering when I will get time to straighten?
11:00 Time to pack up- "Mom? Can we pick up Chick-fila? Dad said we could go" "Sure"
Loading up the car- "Oh, Christopher forgot his cello for after school! Oh, Room mom sent
an email- Jon Michael needs a shoe-box for Valentine's party! Oh! Lauren? Where is your
Picture order form? Money is due? IDK mom? OK, Let's just load up!"
11:10- Get in car, pick up Chickfila- inside of course because the line wraps around twice at this time.
11:30- great moment with Lauren in the car- just the girls. Lauren eats lunch on the road
since she is missing lunch time at school and has to carry her "Laura Ingalls" poster project to the room.
12:00- check Lauren in- drop off cello and lunch to Christopher, Shoebox to Jmac, and send Lauren down the hall with her project in tow. Give kisses, wave goodbye.
12:30- Home Alone. Look at the clock- I have to leave in one hour to pick everyone back up?

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, January 22, 2011


COUNT IT ALL JOY!

“My brethren, count it all JOY when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 (NKJV)

Growing up in Louisiana, I was always surrounded by family, friends, and great food. The saying in the South, “Laissez Bon Temps Roulez!” or “Let the Good Times Roll!” was very true for me. I remember many nights with my family: laughing, listening to music, enjoying the sunset after a sail, and just having fun. It didn’t matter the reason, we were always looking for something to celebrate. Louisiana people are famous for that! Perhaps as a child, I was just plain unaware of the pressures of life. At that time, it was easy to “Count it all Joy!”

But somewhere, along the journey from childhood to adulthood, we quickly discover that the days of laughter and carefree living can sometimes be turned into various trials and difficult situations. Life no longer seems like a party and we find ourselves trying to navigate our way back to simpler times.

Have you ever wondered, “How did I get to this point?” I sure did! As a mom of four, my life was wonderful, but at times seemed overwhelming. I remember many sleepless nights and very exhausting days. I felt like I was just stumbling through, trying to survive! Perhaps to others, my world seemed just fine. But on the inside, I was feeling very tired and frustrated. With the enormous task of raising these precious children and managing my household, I found I could hardly take care of myself. It was becoming more and more difficult to “Count it ALL Joy!” It was in this season of my life that I quickly discovered I was not the only one experiencing these feelings. In attempt to understand why so many women, and especially moms, were having this same challenge, I made a decision to turn to the Bible for answers. I was amazed at what I found.

Check out this scripture: John 10:10 (NKJV) says, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly!”

If Christ came so we could have an abundant life, then I have to believe He wants us to enjoy it. Could this mean that the enemy is trying to steal our joy? Yes, that is exactly what the scripture says. If we lose our joy, we become weary and tired. We begin to worry and life seems overwhelming. But there’s hope! In Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV) we learn, “Do not grieve (worry) for the joy of the LORD is your strength." In my own life, I reached a point where I refused to let this happen anymore! I wanted to live my life filled with joy. God wanted me joyful, abundantly joyful! So I had to make a choice.

If you’re ready, like I was, to reclaim your joy, then you’re going to have to make a choice to trust God’s Word. He wants you to enjoy your life with Him, so come out of that dark tunnel and into His light. Here is a simple plan to help you navigate your way back:

REST. Enter into the Lord’s rest! Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” When we don’t enter into His rest, we become restless! And that’s exactly what will happen. We will “rest less.” But when we enter His rest, His joy begins to fill our hearts, our strength is renewed and patience can begin its perfect work. Isn’t that good news? When we rest our hearts and minds, we are actually allowing God to be the one who works our problems out. James Chapter 1 teaches us to “let patience have its perfect work.” When we let go and trust God to handle our problems, we can finally sleep at night. Pretty soon, the weight of the day will be lifted off our shoulders. It’s like the Lord is saying, “I’ll take care of it; you just relax!” Take a moment to just breathe and rest in the Lord.

PRAY. Become a warrior, not a worrier! Philippians 4:6 (NLT) says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” Grab hold of the scriptures that encourage you in your trial and pray through them. Let His Word be your weapon and it will bring joy, life and victory. When I am faced with a challenge, I like to get out my Bible and find a scripture that relates to my situation, even if it is just one scripture. As I pray and stand on His Word, He begins to move in my life. The problems don’t seem to be so big and God begins to work things out. You will be amazed what a difference a day makes when you spend time reading your Bible and praying.
PLAY! Enjoy the life God has given you. Choose to focus on the good of your day, not just the bad! Get back to the simple things of life. Take a walk, go to the park, have some ice cream and create a memory with those you love. Don’t forget to take a few pictures along the way!

A joy-filled life doesn’t mean that we won’t ever experience challenges. In fact, trials may be all around us, big and small. But it’s how we walk through those trials that will make the difference. We can make a decision to choose joy and let patience have its perfect work. Instead of allowing ourselves to get stressed and frustrated, We can choose to follow the scripture and let God be the one to see us through. It isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it!

Perhaps you have been feeling sad, confused, or even just tired? Let me encourage you today to trust the Lord to lead you and fill you with His joy. Make a choice to enter into His rest today, pray through those circumstances, and go have some fun! “Count it all Joy” or should I say, “Let the Good Times Roll!”