Thursday, January 3, 2008

A little reflection

Expectations..... When you are a young girl you expect to grow up and get married and have no problems because after all you married the perfect prince charming right?.... When you get married you expect to have kids....(Not lose 3 babies before you were able to hold them.) oh... and of course they will be kids that will do everything you say with a "yes mother dear" at the end of every request. Years down the road you just expect to be the same weight you were when you got married because that is how it is on T.V.(hehe) You expect to have friends and always get along... Even as a grown woman you expect to be liked because after all you are a nice person right??Reality check...Does our reality ever match up with our expectations???? I don't know about yours but mine don't. Oh don't get me wrong sometimes they seem to but in all reality I just set myself up time after time to be let down because I allow the enemy to decieve me into thinking that my expectations should be anywhere but on the Father above. He really is very crafty and deceitful isn't he? I don't know about you but this year I am impressed to let everyone off the "hook" of my expectations. They cannot meet them just as I cannot meet theirs. The father is the only one who can fulfill my every need. This also brings to mind the question, "What motivates me?" Why do I do the things that I do or don't do? Is it to impress someone? undermine someone? Do I have quiet time to check it off my list? Do I talk to my children and husband in the same manner at home and in public? Do I go to church because the bible tells us not to forsake the fellowship with other christians or do I go because I have to check it off the list as well? Do I believe that the bible is the inspired word of God and that He loves me all the time or only when I am "good" and things are going my way? These (and more) are all questions that I have been asking myself today. I want to be REAL not just when it is convienent or easy I want to be REAL all the time.
Holy Father, I am asking you to teach me to be REAL. Not hypocritical, judegmental, or have a holier than thou attitude. I want people to see me and know that I live for you please teach me how. I love people so much and want to be liked so much please change my attitude to care more about what you think about me than anyone else and to do all things unto you not men.

Thanks for allowing me to think out loud.
Blessings,
Linda

25 comments:

Cheryl said...

I came across your blog a few weeks ago and now I love to read it regularly! Your words about expectations are so true and I couldn't wait to share a scripture with you. This summer, we attended a pastor's conference and in one of the sessions for the wive's, the speaker gave us this verse, (cause you know there's all kinds of expectations that people put on their pastors and their wives!)
"My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him." Psalm 62:5
I just read this verse this morning so God must really be trying to remind me that my expectations are for and from Him alone! Thanks for sharing!

Justabeachkat said...

Oh Linda! What a beautifully written special message. Thank you so much for reminding me that I should only care what He thinks.

Hugs sweet friend!
Kat

the mother of this lot said...

I just found this blog. Your post is very inspirational. Happy New Year and God Bless!

Sandy McTier Designs said...

Great reminder for us all SIS!
Hope you have a wonderfully blessed day.

Love ya,
Sandy :)

marine's words said...

Just came across you blog,I know just how you feel I felt the same way when I was growing up that I would get married have wonderful children never gain weight (what was that anyway)but soon learn life was not The Bardy Bush!and I never thought in my dreams that my 2 kids would be 18 years apart what was that all about ?/sometimes I wounder did I miss out on having 2 or 3 at one tiem? I will never know why God plans the things in our life the way he does,I really thought life would be like the Dick Van Dyte show or something like that...anyway love what you had to say it is so ture,blessing marina

sherri said...

You are real Linda - very real and beautiful. Even as you were typing those thoughts on your blog, God was telling you that it's ok to still be trusting of others, allowing room for faults, or hurts, or unkindness. When people might let us down in some form or other, it's only because we are all human, as the Lord created us. That is a Human emotion, not a Godly one. We are not yet where there are no limits to our expectations (Heaven). But, In those brief moments of someone not meeting our expectations, remember they are God's moments of telling us, in His own way, He "expects" us to love only Him - but to do as Jesus did on Earth - fellowship with an "expectation" of goodness in others. Always keep a smiling attitude sweets, and an open heart with some measure of expectation towards others. And, It's ok to care about what others think of us - but let us not dwell in that moment if they do not care for us, or like us, or even agree with us. We move on, and then something extraordinary happens - and we're again reminded of His unfailing love.
xoxo Sherri

Adele said...

Linda,
After reading this post, I really feel you and I are kindred spirits. I feel exactly as you do sometimes. Thanks for being transparent and sharing your heart. You have ministered to me, my friend. I am so glad I have "met" you through blogging. I totally believe it was not a coincidence. God is good!

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

Linda~
Thanks so much for visiting my blog!!!

I've enjoyed my time, looking around your blog and I WILL be returning.

I also enjoyed your post today.....expectations.....WOW...what a powerful thing. You shared some great food for thought...and I will be pondering...much of what you've shared.

I have another blog you should check out. Our daughter (she just graduated in June) in participating in YWAM...and is currently in Thailand. I'm filling in for her on her blog......and God's doing great things.

http://aeberndtmaui.blogspot.com

Have a Blessed weekend.

Melissa in Mel's World said...

Linda, that is just awesome! I know what it feels like to have others let you down, I am sure we all do. And at the same time I am sure I have let others down too (and it makes me sad)...but the only One who will never let us down.

Thanks so much for sharing from your heart, for giving just what was needed today.

Your post has blessed me...
Thank you,
Melissa

Southern Heart said...

That was wonderful...and a great inspiration! I have had the same thoughts before, so this post meant a lot to me, too.

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Linda ~ I am so happy to find your blog from Sherri's at Antique Paperie ~ I love this post ~ it mad me stop and think and thank God for what I have in life good and bad because without Him I am nothing ~
While I was reading it I was singing "Word of God Speak" at the top of my lungs ~ I think my kids think I am crazy singing at my computer ~ :o)
Lori

Suburban Correspondent said...

Well, you're making me realize how shallow I've been today, only thinking about my computer problems! Perhaps I should readjust my focus, don't you think?

I have found that the Lord does not hesitate to humble me when needed, and I do know that it is the most humble people that impress me the most. I know I need to pray for more humility and more patience this year. I could strive to achieve those things myself, but it seems to work better when I wait upon the Lord to lead me. Does that make sense?

Denise C said...

Hi Linda!

I found you from Adele's blog and I am so glad I did!

This post is so wonderful! So inspiring! So REAL! I have to remind myself all the time to stop looking 'around' and start looking 'UP'! HIS opinion is the only one that matters! I want to be in the perfect center of HIS perfect will for my life! There, and only there, will contentment and fulfillment be!

Thanks for this beautiful post and thanks for sharing your heart so openly!
I am so glad I found you! I'll be visiting regularly now!
Sweet Blessings to you!
Denise C

Courtney said...

What a beautiful post!
Just found your blog & glad I did. I needed that reminder this morning!

Anonymous said...

Wow, wow, wow... and AMEN!

Unknown said...

Linda, God has reminded me of the same things lately...my expectations in other people and fearful that I will let them down also.

I always love stopping by your blog!

Hugs,
Paige

Jessica said...

So touching! What a great reminder! You are right- no one can live up to what we think they should be, nor can we fufill their expectations. Only in our Heavenly Father's eyes can be enough. Thanks for such a reassuring reminder!

kari and kijsa said...

What a wonderful post...truly words to live by...thanks for sharing such a blessing with us this morning!

smiles, kari and kijsa

Denise C said...

Hello! Please stop by when you can, I have a little something for you! :)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post, such a blessing to me and to others.

Thank you for sharing your heart and what matters most,

Melissa

Anonymous said...

I was visiting your blog to invite you to come and play Centipede anytime and in turn, I was truly inspired by your awesome post. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hi Linda, such a beautiful post, thank you for sharing it with all of us. Lovely Blog, we look forward to visiting often. Jenn and Jacqui

Alycia said...

Well said Linda!! May I have this same perspective ~ thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Blessings to you and your family in the weekend ahead...

Maria (also Bia) said...

Definitely food for thought. Thank you for making us take a step back and remember that our expectations should be directed toward heaven. God bless.

Julie said...

I love the name of your blog. That is one of my very favorite verses. The lady who mentored me told me once that those words meant that God has MY picture indelibly marked on His palms. I have never forgotten that.

I am new to the blogging world and would love to make new friends. I'm not quite sure how to let people know where to find me. I am trying to meet as many people as I can. Is that the way you go about getting to know others in this "blog world"?

I'd love to have you stop by and visit me at mine.

Many blessings,
Julie