Something Special

FRESH START MOMENTUM BLOG RUNS THIS WEEK ONLY ON FRIDAY APRIL 19TH. 


SEE YOU THERE!

Are You a “Possible” Woman?

Each month of the year has its own birthstone with its own unique meaning and historical significance. Emerald—a breathtaking clear, deep green--for instance, is the birthstone for May and symbolizes patience, unity, compassion, and unconditional love. In June, the pearl exhibits balance, calm, purity, integrity, and loyalty. In ancient times, color was the most important feature of a gemstone, so there was little difference then between a ruby and a garnet which are very similar to the naked eye. Today, we like to celebrate by wearing our own particular “birthstone.”

Mining for these beautiful gems seems almost impossible. Without having ever been to a mining camp, we can still imagine how difficult it probably is to dig out huge boulders, rocks, stones, and pebbles and then inspect them for their potentially beautiful “insides.” An all-consuming project for sure! However, at a gem fair, we might be able to more easily see a rock that looks rough, dull and nothing special on the outside, but when cut open, is absolutely the most beautiful thing we could see!

Impossible Odds

Some of us may even feel the same way at times. Surely, we’ve had our share of days when we feel “rough and unattractive” on the outside. Not a single piece of clothing looks good on us, our hair and make-up suddenly look strange in the mirror, and our feet are so swollen (from too much salt?) we can’t get them into our best shoes.

But we know how this goes. Our hormones have a habit of attacking us at the worse times. We are convinced we will never look or feel good again. We scream our lives are “just an impossibility.” Or so we think. But that is far from the truth. Each one of us was individually created with a unique personality and, for that matter, with a unique set of genes and hormones. Our “insides” are truly beautiful just like our birthstone gem!

I’M Possible Days

Did you notice that "impossible" begins with I-M? Yes, you are Possible! It's quite possible you are stronger than you think. Quite possible you are the best mom for your children. Possible you are creative, smart, and tenacious. Sometimes all we need is a special “moment” by ourselves or a few hours to take a breather. How might this look if we gave it a try?

·        Calling a best friend is a great way to get some perspective on our day.  

·        Distracting ourselves from what is bothering us can work wonders.

·        Turning off all electronics and having a quiet time brings peace.

·        Reading or having fun with a hobby is rejuvenating.

·        Even housecleaning can be therapeutic for some of us.

·        Try walking into a florist just to smell the flowers--it will bring a smile to your face.

·        Help someone else who is having a bad day—your impossibilities will disappear fast.

We Get the Best

Have you ever heard “God loves you!” Truly, He does love every single one of us, every single day. Even on the not-so-good days when our hormones play tricks on us!

He is the God of possibilities: Our Heavenly Father. Unlike any father on earth, He is always and forever good, kind, and loving. He’s in the business of making sure every one of His children knows how pleased He is with us when we seek Him for answers. God smiles when we each find our true purpose and gifts as women and use them to honor Him. We can count on Him.

“He replied, ‘What is impossible for people is possible with God'” Luke 18:27 NLT.

Life in a Jar for Christmas

How many gifts have we ever received that were immediately returned to the store? The reason, most likely, is because the giver didn't know us well enough or, worse, didn't personally care about us; it was an obligation. Many commercially bought gifts are boring and do not have any personal flavor. But, no fear; it's never too late to begin getting creative! Time to have some fun crafting our own special Christmas gifts to give to our favorite people.

One of the most clever of ideas are the Gifts in a Jar. Just about anything goes and this is easy! Use quart size Mason jars, so the lid can be decorated with fabric and ribbons or anything else our imaginations can come up with. We can adapt them to our individual friends and family, so they reflect both the giver and the receiver!  

FOOD JARS: fill with ingredients, include the recipe, and add something extra like a scoop or special utensil.

cookies

soups

muffins

hotcakes

oatmeal & fruit

candy

MEMORY JARS: everyone likes nostalgia. Find unique items to fill a jar to show how you remember a special person in your life. Add a love note too.

tiny photos and/or mementos of favorite times together

toys of all kinds reflecting the person's hobby or a special occasion

colorful strips of paper with Scripture promises written out

hopeful and encouraging thoughts on specialty papers

ONE-OF-A-KIND JARS: these are like a "story in a jar" complete with an ending. They could be something unique, different or to enlighten in some way. Here is an example:  

Ingredients: one-quart Mason jar; 2 cups white, uncooked rice; 20 whole walnuts; a 6-inch square of colorful, cotton fabric; length of matching ribbon enough to go around jar twice; card stock.  

Write or type out the following instructions and print on card stock; fill the jar accordingly; place metal insert on jar; place fabric on top of insert and screw on lid around fabric; punch hole in printed cardstock and string onto ribbon; tie around jar underneath the fabric.   

Instructions:

This Jar is Your Life

It contains exactly 2 cups of rice and 20 walnuts. The rice represents everything YOU want to do with your life and the walnuts represent everything GOD wants you to do with your life. Now, if you try putting in all the rice first, then the walnuts, it doesn't work. But if you put in the walnuts first and then the rice, it all works perfectly according to HIS plan! Keep this jar as a reminder that God doesn't want much from us, just a few walnuts!