Gratitude

Blessings I often take for granted but have begun to be very aware of as they will soon be gone for a while.

• being able to drive with my music loud and sing
• a warm shower
• napping on my cool leather couch with a warm blanket
• seeing all the smiling faces when I get to work in the morning
• my morning coffee and visiting in the kitchen
• friends who you can count on at the drop of a hat
• being able to text or call someone you are thinking of whenever you want
• road trips to close destinations just to be in the car with someone you love
• my "workout" family that are the first faces I see every morning
• the parents of people I went to the youth group with who love me like their own kid
• the smell of my parents house
• the way my mom winks at me to acknowledge she is listening when she is drinking sweet tea
• my kitty sleeping on the corner of my bed
• being surrounded by people who know you and not having to explain yourself

Joy to the World, the Lord has Come!

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Merry Christmas and God bless you and yours!

O Night Divine

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
-- Luke 2

The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your son. Born to be our Savior... and our friend.

Proud!

I am so proud! Tonight, my baby sister, Kari Lynn Cunill, crossed the stage to graduate as a LPN! Check out the lab coat!!!

I am so thrilled for her and proud of her. Not just because she graduated with honors in an program with an incredibly tough curriculum, but because she discovered the amazing gifts of compassion, love, patience, fortitude and courage that God gave her, and she put them to use in the art of caretaking and healing.

Kari is an amazing young woman with fantastic gifts that so many of us will never possess. The heart for holding someone's hand as they pass to the next life. The stomach for dealing with wounds and unpleasant bodily functions. And the spirit to bring peace to the heart of a patient who is anxious and afraid.

Kari, your gifts are so amazing! And I am so proud of you! Thank you for choosing to share your life with so many! I love you!

See all the graduation pics here!

High Maintenance... I scoff at you!

I was reading the blog of another young lady who went on NET Australia last year and is returning this year. Her blog had the statement, “And I took a 20 minute shower. I am fully taking advantage of that before I go back to the land of 4 minute showers.”

When I read this, my immediate reaction was panic. What will I do? Four minute showers?! But how will I wash my hair. It’s so thick!

Then I stopped for a second and thought about it. I am so goofy. It probably only takes me about 4 minutes to shower in the morning anyway. I am very low maintenance. Truth be told, when I think about it, I am probably designed for this kinda thing. My fashion sense (or lack thereof) limits my clothing choices, and I barely wear any make up or jewelry. I am made to be portable.

I also thought about my bath tub. And how I will not be able to take baths while I am gone. Then I laughed again, because I think its probably been over a year since I last took a bath. It’s funny to me how we have so many things at our disposal day-in and day-out yet we never appreciate or take advantage of them. But then when they might be taken out of our lives, all of a sudden we focus on them.

My prayer for this year is that it will teach me appreciation on an intense level. So that when I come back next year, I will take nothing and no one for granted for the rest of my life. I know that is a lofty prayer/goal. But man, what a wonderful life if it could be that way!

Mess

The world we live in is imperfect. And each person has their own mess… some self induced, others due to external factors. Most people relish in my eternal optimism, but some of my friends scowl and fuss at me, claiming that I overlook all the bad in the world. Folks—this post is for you!

Friends, you are right! At the risk of sounding like a pessimist, there is a LOT of pain in the world. As Americans living in a free country that is wealthy compared to 95% of the world, it can be difficult to keep perspective. But pain exists everywhere—around the world, down the block, even in the walls of your own home (if you are blessed enough to have one).

Sometimes it can be overwhelming if we think of all the pain and hate in the world, both currently and in the mind of mankind. That there are people out there who are hurting so badly that they actually feel release through hurting others.

I point this out because I have blogged about gratitude and the incredible importance of recognizing our blessings. But it is not enough to recognize what we have. We should also be thankful for those experiences we have not had to endure. But gratitude for the lack of pain is NOT ENOUGH. We should educate ourselves, grow in understanding of those around us and seek to empathize.

Do unto others as you’d have done to you is more than a calling or a privilege—it is our duty. I would encourage you that as you travel through your day to day life, you take the opportunity to acknowledge the pain in the world. Recognize it. Name it. Then do something about it.

As I prepare for the upcoming journey and the holiday season, I pray that God will continue to stretch each of us—calling us out of our comfort zones to give back in an intense and challenging way. This doesn’t mean heading around the world per say… it just means sharing generously! We all have gifts. We all have callings. God created us with differing passions so that all areas of need would be reached out to...

There is a woman at my church who runs a ministry for young mothers who have no one to help them during their pregnancies. She coordinates this ministry-- the Gabriel Project-- to collect toys, diapers, car seats, cribs, etc. for these young mothers. The volunteers make sure the women are in safe environments, get the food they need, and go to their doctors visits. They offer them emotional support and love during their pregnancies and after the birth of their babies. This lovely soul, in addition to coordinating this project, recently opened her home to a 16 year old young lady with two babies under the age of 2.

Was she concerned about taking this step? YES!

Did she pray about it? YES!

Did she realize that she was gifted with a lovely home and that she could stretch herself to share this gift with someone who needed a place to stay-- and even more-- a family to belong to? YES!

And she shared with me recently the incredible blessings that have come from her yes. This young woman and her babies have become a permanent part of their life. Through her actions, she may have turned these three lives around, and in turn, they will continue to pass the generosity along.

There is another lovely and sweet soul at my work who is a self proclaimed "bird lady." She is an animal lover like no other and devotes much of her time and money to ministering to animals. I do not have this gift. And that is why I appreciate it all the more in her. I love MY cat, but I don't have the ability to love all animals with the intensity she does. But I can support her in her ministry to her animals.

So here is where you come in. What ministry do you support? What is your calling? What gifts have you received or witnessed as a result of you giving back? Please comment on this blog. And attach the web address of the ministries you support. Perhaps your story will reach out to someone reading this blog and you will broaden their heart.

Undefeated

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. – Romans 16:20

So last night I was just sitting there minding my own business when suddenly—bam! ATTACK! It is funny. God has been so incredible in everything with this calling. He has opened doors and people’s hearts. I have been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of those around me. I was actually puzzled this weekend thinking about how there had been no challenges from “the bad guy” to try to stop me from moving forward. I did get laryngitis when giving my announcements at church and doing a witness for the confirmation group, but even with no voice, God spoke. So I will count that challenge (and all of them for that matter) a blessing.

So last night, I am sitting there by the laptop light in my bedroom. Checking my email and minding my own business when wham! Out of no where, this loud voice explodes through my brain… "You are so incredibly disgusting. No one will ever love you. No one will ever want you. Look at yourself. You are an embarrassment. And it isn’t just your outside. Your insides are as filthy and disgusting. You are greedy, selfish, jealous, and prideful. You aren’t worthy and you don’t deserve this opportunity. You are a failure and have everyone fooled. If everyone around you saw you as you are, they would reject you." All of this was like an explosion in my head. And it only lasted about 5 seconds before I recognized it for what it was.

And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon,
and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and
they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient
serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was
hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

Then I heard a loud voice in
heaven say:
"Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of
our God, and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.

Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury,
because he knows that his time is short."

“The accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night has been hurled down. He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”

Bottom line—Satan is pissed. And rightfully so. Already people have infuriated him by reflecting the beauty of Christ in their love, prayers and support. The parishioners at Good Shepherd were AMAZINGLY generous with their support this past weekend. I am so humbled and awed by their goodness and generosity. And I imagine this time of year is really tough on the bad guy. I mean, he is surrounded by people donating food, toys, clothing, etc. to make people’s holiday’s happy ones. His defenses are getting old—busyness, commercialism and greed-- which our culture is starting to rebel against. What will he do if everyone remembers the true meaning of the season? He won’t have a leg to stand on!

So rather than fight his accusations, I embrace them. And humility is the word of the day. He’s right. I am not worthy, and never will I be. And I was sharing this experience with my friend Erin, and she told me, “None of us are worthy, and all of us get those feelings sometimes. When we try to do something good, we are reminded of all the bad in us. But if we focus on that, we’d never get anything done. So we do the best we can to push that voice away and do good.”

And we thank God for the blessings in our lives… like my friend who was texting me last night and then called because he sensed something was wrong. When I answered the phone he said, "What is going on! This doesn’t sound like you at all! It is so negative!" Which, whether he realizes it or not, was a confirmation for me. That it WASN’T me. And I am NOT that person. I am a child of God. And so are you! And even with all our shortcomings, we are created in his image and called to serve. And while the feelings may still linger and today may be a battle, the war is already won.

And the more good we do, the more challenges we will experience. It is spiritual warfare! And on the way to work this morning, I was wondering this morning where the challenge may have come from. Then I remembered that last night I completed letters to 7 priest friends of mine, among several other people, sharing my journey with them and asking them to pray for me. Maybe the bad guy knows what is coming and he is scared! And he should be!

I know what amazing people are supporting me and he ought to tuck tail and run! Keep doing good! And guard your hearts. You who are supporting a good work will be challenged as well. So let’s all fight the good fight! Every act of kindness and generosity is a nail in the bad guy’s coffin. Thank you for sharing your love and gifts, and for praying for me-- I am praying for your protection! God bless you!

Let the Joneses Win

My Lord and my God. I continue to be humbled and awed by your incredible goodness. Today I was overwhelmed by a most selfless and amazing act of generosity. As some of you know, I work for the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. One of my primary duties there is to promote Financial Literacy. There is a Committee of caring and dedicated CPAs I work with who make this happen. They partner to speak to and assist those who need financial education-- which frankly, is all of us! :)

One of these amazing members is Kevin Cross. Kevin has a unique story of his own. Kevin is a CPA on a mission from God. After 17 years of leading one of South Florida’s best known Christian accounting and tax practices, Kevin passed the baton and answered the call to communicate God’s message of “true financial freedom.”

Click here and then click "About Us" to read how God touched Kevin’s life and has used him as an instrument to change minds, hearts and lives.

Kevin is one of the amazing CPAs on my Financial Literacy Committee at the FICPA. His faith journey played an integral part in my own discernment. Today, when I shared with him about this mission, he sent me the most amazing email. Among other things, Kevin affirmed me and reminded me:

"Don’t be afraid, God will not leave you or forsake you. From Genesis 28:15, to Deuteronomy 1:29/31:6, to Psalms 56:9, to Isaiah 41:17 to Matthew 28:20, to Hebrews 13:5, and many more places He reminds us that He will never leave you. Keep the focus clear on Christ and be quick to tell folks He is the reason you have love for people you have never met.

May you trust Him and fear Him only and share the joy and peace that can only come from Him (Romans 15:13)."

His beautiful email and incredible financial generosity brought me to tears. As I called him to thank him, he prayed with me over the phone. Many have prayed for me, but Kevin has been the first person to pray with me since I began this journey. I thank you with all my heart Kevin. Your courage, trust and faith led me to open my heart and mind to all God has to offer. I thank you and praise God for you and for your ministry that saves lives!

The name of Kevin's ministry is Cross Stewardship Ministries, where he serves the Lord and his neighbors fulltime. Check out his Web sites for a life changing experience.

MarginandMeaning.com

Account417.com

theJonesesWin.com

Check out these short movies that Kevin has made, along with his family. They are clever and poignant! And then pass these videos and Web sites along to your friends and family. Reminding them to "live the life that is truly life."

Drinking the American Dream

Let the Joneses Win

The Executions

Iced Latte or Warm Generosity

Thanksgetting

God bless you Kevin! And all the lives you touch.

The Secret of a Happy Life

In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever. Psalm 44:8

I was talking with my friend Erika about where people draw their joy in life from. We were discussing the danger that comes from relying on people around you to make you happy. Now, don’t get me wrong. The people we surround ourselves with should certainly lift us up! However, everyone has ups and downs. We are all subject to seasons in our life. And, as a friend, it is unfair to rely on another person to constantly lift you up. It is your job to be there to lift them up sometimes. That’s what friends are for, right?!

It got me thinking about where I draw my joy from. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I strive for peace and joy, rather than happiness. Happiness can be fleeting. But to me, joy is a deep seated trust that the Lord has my best interests at heart, and all things that occur are somehow part of a greater plan that will bring me to fulfill His mission for my life.

“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” Jeremiah 29:11

My parents always assured me that God works everything together for the good of those who love him. In feeling so blessed lately, and being keenly aware of all we have to be grateful for, I think the key to finding joy in life is to be grateful. And I do not mean overlooking hardship, but rather, keeping perspective and not being boastful... but grateful.

Look around you and praise God for your life! Tell people what they mean to you. This is something my friend Angela taught me. If you are grateful in all situations, how can you NOT be happy? Even in the worst of situations, there is always someone worse off than you. And in the best of situations, praise God, and pass the blessings along! So, do your best and be joyful in all things.

To me, that is a secret of a happy life.

Leavin on a Jet Plane

So its official… I leave Tallahassee on Monday, January 7 at 12:25 p.m. Five flights and 35 hours later, I arrive in Brisbane on Wednesday, January 9 at 10 a.m., at which time it will be 7 p.m. on Tuesday here in Tallahassee.