How Many SIGNS Do You Need to See?

Linking this week with Tuesday at Ten... the writing prompt phrase for the week: "If only..."

So, today I write about "If only... I had paid attention to all the SIGNS..."

One of my "recent passions" is administrating a "PAGE" on Facebook called When You're STUCKinindiana. Why such a passion at this time in my life? I HAVE NO IDEA. But, it seems to be something that I can't resist :) I believe that everything is for a season. And, I have no idea how long this season will last. As much as I'm enjoying it & feeling fulfilled by it at this time, I'm confident it will end at some point. But right now, I'm focused on sharing life with others through that page... by way of pairing up some of my photos with quotes, sayings, lyrics, etc. for the purpose of relating to, encouraging, inspiring, and affirming others.

When I find a quote or saying (or someone else's original post) that I like, I save it in a file. When someone sends me a favorite quote, I save it in a file. When I write a blog post and a certain "thought" stands out to me, I save it in a file. I pair these up with one of my photos & save them to post at a later date.

In looking back at my life, I noticed that there were a LOT of "signs" that I ignored as I rushed along from one thing to another. I began keeping a list several years ago of things which should have made me STOP to think before I proceeded. If you're interested in seeing that list as it's posted, check out the When You're STUCKinindiana Facebook page & watch for them to post. I'll organize them in an album as I post them too :)

So, how many signs do YOU need to see before you STOP and think before proceeding? Sometimes it's more than I want to admit.

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old - 4 Moving to China?

YOUNG Caitlyn
a LONG time ago :) 

In the early 90's, a few things began to really "get under my skin" about a dear, cherished, beloved relative. I pondered those things & came to the abrupt conclusion that I too could easily slip into similar and perhaps the exact (gasp) behaviors. It was at that time that I began a new file entitled, "Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old". About 2-3 times each year, I send the file to a few "sister friends" in the hopes that they will NOT let me edit the entries as I get older to suit my fancy.

Moving to China?

I'm so thankful that a big part of my life has been with my favorite comedian of all time (aka my husband)! Humor always seems to take the edge off of real life, doesn't it?

A few years ago, my mom announced that she was going with a close friend on an alumni trip to China. This would be the mom who gets almost all her clothes (and OUR presents) from a local used clothing shop, who complains that she has to eat cereal for supper due to the lack of money, who wants us to cover the cost of the gas necessary to come visit her grandkids (even when she initiates the trip), and who keeps her house as cold as a coffin in the winter and, in the summer, as warm as - hmmm, you get the idea. Back to the China trip, we were told that the cost of the trip was none of our business. We were even told that there was plenty of money to cover the trip cost. None of her adult children could get a straight answer from her as to whether the trip was something she could handle financially at that time.

Shortly after the siblings & spouses had processed all of this toegether, I received the following note from a close friend:

When I was talking to your husband after the meeting yesterday I said, "I heard your mother-in-law is going to go to China." His immediate reply was, "I hope she moves there." 

My friend went on to comment: "Isn't that hilarious! He comes up with some funny stuff sometimes. And he's so serious about it all too - which is great! Hope I didn't get him in trouble right there :)"

Of course, my husband (the LOML) was kidding. My mom took the trip to China.. and, she CAME BACK! She had a wonderful time, made some great memories with friends and took some fantastic photos. She's still under the same roof; eating cereal for supper under a cozy blanket. We all survived :)

So my advise today to the me of the present and the coming years is "Always keep your humor; trust in the LORD at all times!" 

God always sees the BIG PICTURE and was "spot on" when he inspired the writing of Proverbs 3:5-7 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn your back on evil."

FORMER POSTS IN THIS "SERIES"

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old #1 - Sleep Around

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old #2 - The World Doesn't Owe Me

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old #3 - Giving With No Strings Attached

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old - 3 No Strings Attached

About 10-15 years ago, a few things began to really "get under my skin" about a dear, cherished, beloved relative. I pondered those things & came to the abrupt conclusion that I too could easily slip into similar and perhaps the exact (gasp) behaviors. It was at that time that I began a new file entitled, "Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old". About 2-3 times each year, I send the file to a few "sister friends" in the hopes that they will NOT let me edit the entries as I get older to suit my fancy. I'm beginning with the first entry & will add others throughout the coming months, years, whatever :)

I began the file with a note to read each time I open it...

Dear "Old" Caitlyn,
As you continue to get "older", please DON’T FORGET the following these guidelines from...
"Young" Caitlyn

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old -- Entry #3

Solomon sitting on the Christmas bags so I couldn't put them away!

3. No strings attached please!  What does it mean to give a gift to someone? Does your gift come with conditions -- is there a cost? Are you giving to get a thank you or to make a big impression? Are you giving your gift with a hidden agenda? The same thoughts go with the intent of a compliment or an invitation to join you in an activity, etc. When growing up, 99% of the time, I felt like there were conditions to the approval & affection that I received. As, I grew up, that perception didn't seem to change much from that one person. Currently, I see that same thing happening in the lives of my children.

Why do we have to attach strings to so many things in our lives. When we give without the expectation of receiving something in return, the joy is immediate with our gift. We aren't sitting in a holding pattern waiting for recognition or accolades! Isn't this they way it was intended? None of us enjoy going on a guilt trip.

Old Caitlyn: DON'T send your loved ones on a guilt trip. Give freely!

Scriptures of the Day: A few scriptures that come to my mind. Acts 20:35: "You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: `It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Luke 6:38: "If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving--large or small--it will be used to measure what is given back to you."

SO TODAY... as Deuteronomy 15:10 says, "Give freely without begrudging it, and the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do."

FORMER POSTS IN THIS "SERIES"

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old #1 - Sleep Around

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old #2 - The World Doesn't Owe Me

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old, #2 The World Doesn't Owe Me

About 10-15 years ago, a few things began to really "get under my skin" about a dear, cherished, beloved relative. I pondered those things & came to the abrupt conclusion that I too could easily slip into similar and perhaps the exact (gasp) behaviors. It was at that time that I began a new file entitled, "Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old".

About 2-3 times each year, I send the file to a few "sister friends" in the hopes that they will NOT let me edit the entries as I get older to suit my fancy. I began with the first entry & will add others throughout the coming months, years, whatever :)

I began the file with a note to read each time I open it...

Dear "Old" Caitlyn,
As you continue to get "older", please DON’T FORGET the following these guidelines from the ...
"Young" Caitlyn

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old - Entry #2   The world doesn’t OWE me! We all suffer injustices & should NOT expect to be compensated for those the rest of our life. What am I saying? Try NOT to act as if the world owes you – because of all the sacrifices you’ve made in life or because of all the unfair things you've experienced. LIFE AIN’T FAIR. How many times have we said those words to our kids as they grow up & encounter unfairness, hardships, persecution?? What gives us the right to "get back at the world" when we are older.

KEEP REMINDING YOURSELF...  eternity with God is much closer than it ever was. Heaven isn’t necessarily "fair" either-- we get to heaven based upon Christ’s sacrifice - not our good. It’s much more than we could ever imagine, hope, and dream!! The hardships & injustices we endure here make us better & stronger -- fitting right into God's plan!  They equip us to help others with their struggles... not make it so they must pay us for our struggles. Yes, Old Caitlyn, remember... the world does NOT owe you.

Scripture of the Day: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Gen 50:20 (what Joseph said to his brothers after their terrible treatment of him)

FORMER POST IN THIS "SERIES"

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old #1 - Sleep Around

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old - 1 It's Okay to Sleep Around

NOTE: This is Caitlyn YOUNG!

About 10-15 years ago, a few things began to really "get under my skin" about a dear, cherished, beloved relative. I pondered those things & came to the abrupt conclusion that I too could easily slip into similar and perhaps the exact (gasp) behaviors. It was at that time that I began a new file entitled, "Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old". About 2-3 times each year, I send the file to a few "sister friends" in the hopes that they will NOT let me edit the entries as I get older to suit my fancy. I'm beginning with the first entry & will add others throughout the coming months, years, whatever :) I began the file with a note to read each time I open it...

Dear "Old" Caitlyn,

As you continue to get "older", please DON’T FORGET the following these guidelines from the "Young" Caitlyn:

1. It’s okay to sleep around as you get older! As a matter of fact, it’s probably a good practice :) What do I mean, you ask :) Well, not everyone’s room is as dark as your room, not everyone’s room is as quiet as your room, not everyone’s bed or pillow is the perfect firmness, etc. If it’s difficult to be alone at home all the time and you get lonely, then you’ll have to "visit" other families & places. Don’t set yourself up to not be able to sleep well other places. And, certainly don’t complain about it when you have a less than perfect night. If at all possible, take a rest in the afternoon when you don’t sleep well during the night. Ponder upon the promises of the Lord... and rest! 



Scripture of the Day: "I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8