Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Short and Simple ---> Day 3

Rheumatologist appointment set, October 16.
Paper work done and ready to be sent back to them.
This weather is getting to me like crazy, I've never hurt so bad.
Prayers would be so greatly appreciated.
Training for B-dubs starts Thursday, I need black non-skid shoes. Impossible task to complete so far.
I wanted to do a good post tonight but I'm a little down, and tired and I'll expand on this tomorrow night.
I wanted us all to think of our purpose here. Why God has put us on this earth and what he wants from us. Just a couple verses to think about from my favorite writer/apostle, Paul.

I believe I am here with a purpose. I believe God put me here to live for Him and exercise the talents he gave me. I think it's to make others happy and to keep myself and hopefully in my future career, healthy. I love to be driven and keep going. These verses help me everyday.

1 Corinthians 9:25-27, 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” 

2 Timothy 4:7-8, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for methe crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.


Just something for a few thoughts. I'm off to bed.

Love- 
ME

Monday, September 17, 2012

Power of Prayer ---> Day 2

In my life so much has been going on lately. The past month I've dealt with a tough break-up, rumors, an illness that's still undiagnosed and untreated, and to top it all off, my car of 5 and a half months just died. The transmission went out. Wonderful timing. I look at all these challenges just as they are trial to test my faith and its endurance. Satan throwing things at me to get discouraged and at first it was working, but I looked into it and really started my life change, things that used to bother me don't, I laugh at things that I can;t control and I pray, for everything. Mostly a feeling of contentment in my life that I had previously been lacking, because I'd been searching for the contentment in worldly things that will go away and not on things eternal.
James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Which bring me to thinking about the importance of prayer. The avenue by which we get to talk to our creator.
James 1:5-8 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Just like we can talk to our best friend about anything we can talk to God about anything. And we should and we shouldn't stop! It's so encouraging to be told we have a God who cares about us and is always listening and urging us to talk to him and share with him.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always;17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

When you pray don't think you aren't worthy for God to grant your request or he's not going to pay attention to you because you believe that he has more important issues. He wants us to trust Him and wholly lean on Him for everything!
Matthew 21:21-22 21 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen. 22 And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

Prayer is the best therapy. Sometimes by talking to God and hear ourselves and our problems we find a way to fix them but I believe it's because we brought it to God. He is almighty! He can help you with anything, remember Him when your sad and suffering, but don't forget to thank Him when everything is going well!


Sunday, September 16, 2012

What's Your Perspective? --> Day One

I went to a bible study tonight and my friend Jacob presented an amazing totally interactive study, I'll save the post I was planning for tonight to share these wonderful thoughts with you.

"I believe in God (or Christianity) like I believe in the sun, not because I see it, but because I can see everything by it." - C.S. Lewis

This about what that means, and what it means to you.
As the sun produces light for us to see the world, God(Christianity) produces light for us to see the world through God's perspective. The way He created us to live. The way He wants and how we should live. We have to take on God's perspective that he reveals to us in order to do His will and live how we should to reach the ultimate goal of Heaven and to bring lost souls to Christ.

What's your perspective on...
- creation?
- God's blessings in your life?
- the bond you share with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ?
- dress and speech?
- bringing lost souls to Him?
- your time?

Creation? 
Genesis 1:1 states that "In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth." This is a simple fact. But think about all the things we never think of down to the molecular level of creation. Your body began with two cells colliding and now you posses two of the most complicated organs to ever be studied, eyes. Even Darwin himself says the human eye is the flaw to his evolution theory, he simply has no idea how something so complicated could come about. You have certain cells doing certain things all over your body that came from two cells that's it! Opposite end, think how large and vast the universe is, and how God created it all. And in Job 38-40, God reprimands Job for questioning Him in earlier chapters and the way He speaks with such authority because He created everything. I know it's 18 verses, but I couldn't find a fitting stopping place before that..

Job 38:1-18,
Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said,
“Who is this that darkens counsel
By words without knowledge?
“Now gird up your loins like a man,
And I will ask you, and you instruct Me!
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding,
Who set its measurements? Since you know.
Or who stretched the line on it?
“On what were its bases sunk?
Or who laid its cornerstone,
When the morning stars sang together
And all the sons of God shouted for joy?
“Or who enclosed the sea with doors
When, bursting forth, it went out from the womb;
When I made a cloud its garment
And thick darkness its swaddling band,
10 And I placed boundaries on it
And set a bolt and doors,
11 And I said, ‘Thus far you shall come, but no farther;
And here shall your proud waves stop’?
12 “Have you ever in your life commanded the morning,
And caused the dawn to know its place,
13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth,
And the wicked be shaken out of it?
14 “It is changed like clay under the seal;
And they stand forth like a garment.
15 From the wicked their light is withheld,
And the uplifted arm is broken.
16 “Have you entered into the springs of the sea
Or walked in the recesses of the deep?
17 “Have the gates of death been revealed to you,
Or have you seen the gates of deep darkness?
18 “Have you understood the expanse of the earth?
Tell Me, if you know all this.

God's Blessings?
Have you seriously ever sat down and just said Thank You for what God has blessed you with? I have but I plan on doing it so much more. Life is so much sweeter when you think about how much more the good outweighs the bad. Even on your bad days.. Did your car start this morning? Was your shower hot? Did you check your cell phone? Did you eat today? So many simple blessings but we need to remember to never take them for granted and to God be the glory! Always.
James 1:17 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or [a]shifting shadow.

Christian Bond?
Paul is possibly my favorite example of how a human should strive to be, behind Christ, of course. But the bond we share with our fellow Christians is a special one. We're a family, we have a common Father and many many brothers and sisters. We need to treat them and act like a family!! Paul not only wrote letters to many different churches to help and teach and encourage but in Philippians the first chapter he tells how much he thinks of the saints in Philippi, v. 3-4 I thank my God in my remembrance of you, always offering a prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all. He says similar things to many groups but means it! He thinks of his brothers and sisters daily and prays for them! 
Hebrews 10:24-2524 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
1 Thessalonians 5:14, 1We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
Acts 2:42-4742 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Dress and Speech?
Do you believe you get a glimpse into a person's character by what they're wearing and if you get to talk to them how they speak and what's said? I certainly do. Even if we want to "pigeonhole" them into a certain group we need to remember those may be the people we need to help most. And to offer help to them and not shut them off for how they are dressed or what they're saying.
1 Peter 3:4, But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
Proverbs 10:32, The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverted.
Ephesians 4:29, Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
Titus 2:7-8, in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

Lost Souls?
The Lord wants everyone. He loves everyone. He made each person to follow Him and be saved it's our job to go help them and encourage them!
2 Peter 3:9, The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
Romans 9:1-3,  I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh

Time?
We only have a limited amount of time on this Earth. Make the most of it while you can! What perspective will you use? God's or the world's? 
Romans 12:2, And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Choose Your Perspective Wisely!!

Love-
ME

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Goal Vertigo

“Anyone whose goal is 'something higher' must expect someday to suffer vertigo. What is vertigo? Fear of falling? No, Vertigo is something other than fear of falling. It is the voice of the emptiness below us which tempts and lures us, it is the desire to fall, against which, terrified, we defend ourselves.” 
― Milan KunderaThe Unbearable Lightness of Being



Goals are tricky and sometimes complicated things. You can't set a goal you're not 100% committed to reaching. Setting a goal is more than just saying it or thinking about it, it's putting everything into reaching that goal and pushing yourself toward it every single day.

Man, have I been a horrible goal setter. I have sets little goals but never pushed myself to achieve them. One of my earlier posts I had all these goals. I really want to know what happened to them. What happened to the enthusiasm we have when we set these goals and what makes us sink back into our old habits and routines. But that's just it, we go back to our habits, habits are formed and broken in 21 days. So take it one goal at a time, and stick to it for 21 days and see how much you consider it a habit when you finish the trial period. It's not gonna be easy and you're gonna wanna give up. But I'm starting something new. And blogging is a part of it. In 21 days I have a goal to read at least one chapter in the Bible, and post an uplifting and encouraging blog about it. If you notice me slacking and see me out, tell me you're reading. And you want me to reach my goal. It means more than you know and maybe we can learn something together. And become closer to the God and LORD who created it all. Help me reach my goal.

I've just been inspired lately to really take my goal of getting to Heaven very seriously. That's why I find it should be my first 21 day trial period to make it a habit. I know I can do it, and I want to take as many people with me as possible! :)

I can't wait to really get in the swing of this.
  
Love 
ME <3

Thursday, September 13, 2012

I Just Want To Be Better...

-a better person
-a better sister
-a better friend
-a better daughter
-a better Christian
-a better girl
and not have something wrong with my body.

I'm sick and tired of it. I'm gonna warn you this is a crying complaining whining post.

I run. I workout. I play and stay as active as possible. Why can't my body be okay and accepting. It's 1:08 in the morning and I should be asleep. But, everything hurts so bad I can't even get comfortable enough to sleep. I just want to cry, to give up, and stop pushing myself so hard to be "normal" when it's just impossible. I threw the football with my brother after his intramural game and I woke with my shoulder constantly popping all day and it felt out of socket. My knees and hips after running last night are in so much pain I have to constantly shift them. I can't do it anymore. I'm not that strong. I can't even enjoy sitting through a bible study at my house because my chair is not comfortable. This is the worst thing ever. To top it off the Rheumatologist hasn't made my appointment because a Doctor referral wasn't serious enough for him I suppose. He has to check my charts first. I just want to be BETTER.

And the Red Sox lost tonight. I hate the Yankees.

So I'll sit here and ask myself what can I do to be better in those areas? And in my physical condition? I don't stop. I have to be strong, I can't cry, I can't give up. No matter how strong that feeling is I can not bring myself to quit. I'm no quitter. I won't give up.

I am strong enough to change my person, love my family with everything in me, be the best friend I can, give my mom and dad the respect they deserve for raising me for 21 years, I can pray and read and study more, because I need and want to, I want to be a better girl, show the world the name Mychal isn't all Tomboy. I want to believe in myself the way that no one else can. The way no one else has. I have to do it myself. I am a strong woman. I was raised by them and taught to be one.

I will overcome. I am strong.

But then again, who am I kidding?

-ME

"Make the world a better place, punch a Yankee in the face. Go Sox!!"

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Caution: I'm Not Like Other Girls

Let me start by saying I'm no princess. That's not how I was raised to think. I was never treated like one, or told that I should be treated like one. I was just another cousin growing up, they were all boys except for the oldest who's 9 years older than me and another girl who's 4 years younger than me. There are 7 cousins inbetween the two. All boys, being a princess was no option. I was a little boy just like them,  I just wore these weird long shirts with no pants to play in, oh wait, that was my mother's attempt at making me "girly" so I played in the dirt and mud and the creek and whatever else in a "play" dress. I was in a dress and boots before I knew it was so dang cute.

I grew up with a mom and dad who didn't exactly get the whole communication thing. And I inherited that. Talking about important things is not my strongest area. And I'd rather cover it up than dig deeper into the problem to fix it. Guy mode, I just don't want conflict. I cannot deal with it. I just get upset and it escalates quick, I may yell, I may get quiet, or I may leave. I'm a runner, leaving is what I do best. I hate that. I wish I could man up and stay and face it, but I wasn't taught how to stand up for myself. I'd rather tell you you're right to stop the argument. It's how I deal. I'm trying to change it, it's a work in progress. I definitely have a backbone now and I'll stand up to anyone.

I don't care for fancy flowers or big boxes of chocolate. I don't like Valentine's Day. I can't stand being put on a pedestal. I don't get jealous of a guy I like had friends who are girls. I don't get jealous of girls who are treated like princesses. I want to smack them and tell them to get off their high horse and get back to the real world. I'm from a simpler place and mindset. One hand picked flower over a dozen long stem roses any day.  Fishing and riding backroads is a better date than supper and a movie. I enjoy paying for my own things every now and then. I like to even treat guys sometimes. I have no problem driving/taking my car places. I just like being treated like a normal human. That doesn't mean I never want to be made to feel like I'm special. I am special. I just don't need grand gestures to prove it. Some girls want guys to think bigger. I'm all for small. Netflix or at home movie dates. (I'd rather not dress up anyway) I've learned to appreciate things that are so usually taken for granted. And I never ever want to lose that mindset. It makes a rainbow or even the blue clear sky on my drive to or from school an amazing thing. This weather lately has got me giddy for Autumn. (My absolute favorite season!!)

I'm a romantic. I like to write things down so people always know how I feel about them and they can go back and reread it over and over. I like little things like that done for me. But that means I'll do them for you too. I may want to spend every last penny on you and every second with you but I realize that's not possible or mentally or financially responsible. I'm just a girl who wants to be loved and shown she's loved. And I can guarantee you're going to get back 100x what you put in plus my 100%.  This isn't a date Mychal post. This is a Mychal's kind of weird and different but try to understand her and it's really not that hard. Trust is the foundation for everything, and is the best gift I could ever receive from anyone or give to anyone. I promise to treat it with care if you do...

Oh and anywhere I can wear my boots ( which is almost everywhere) is a perfectly acceptable place to be ;)

Yeah, going to be for real now.
Goodnight & Sweet Dreams

ME

The Only Constant in Life is Change

This morning at my Doctor's appointment I readied myself myself for anything by thinking just that, "my life can't stay the same", you need ups, downs, and obstacles to over come to make life, life. Knowing that when he walked in I was probably going to get bad news and have something wrong with my body I just simply couldn't control. This terrifies me. I got the news I may have a connective tissue disorder, so it's not just my joints but all the tissues and ligaments around them, so my doctor referred me to a Rheumatologist. He has to go over my charts and then he'll get back to me about my appointment. I had an X-Ray of my hips done since it is my biggest problem area. It kinda drug my day way down.

So I went to the tanning bed for some fake beach time to relax and just think, and nap. ;)

Then I had to attend my EXPW majors club meeting where I found out my specific major (Fitness & Wellness) doesn't have a VP. They were looking for someone to fill the spot. I volunteered, I don't know of anyone else did, but hey why not? I want to meet people and be social... VP sounds good to me :)

Then I got home fed my horse, ate then rode my horse for a little while, then got a call and Jenna wants to go run, so we do, and we beast the two mile loop around TTU in 16 minutes. :) I'm happy, even with allergies clogging the sinuses in my head, making it hard to breathe, and every joint hurting like crazy, that run felt great. I love the after workout feeling of accomplishment I think it's what keeps pulling me toward my major and the Athletic Training career I hope for. I want every person I help to have that same feeling when I'm done helping them. I seriously can't wait to see what my future holds, because with God, anything can happen. And I'm in control of me :)

Still remember me in your prayers.
Love & Sweet Dreams,
ME

P.S. Ciara if you read this, I hope you feel better, if you need anything, anytime call me!! (i know how to answer my phone)

P.S.S. 9/11/01 - 11 years ago needs to be remembered. I remember where I was and what I was doing but the thing is I didn't understand anything like this at 10 years old. I saw footage of the plane crashes into the towers today and it choked me up and brought me to tears, I will never forget. And I know neither will America.