'Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.' (1 Timothy 6:6-8 NLT)
I think a huge problem in today's world is that many people don't know how to be content anymore. Everyone wants MORE. They convince themselves that they NEED more. Everything about how they live has to do with this pursuit of....more. They are never content. They can't just...BE. I think that I am a pretty content person. now don't get me wrong...I absolutely LOVE to read...I need to KNOW things, and love to learn...but my life, how I live...I am content. My life is all about serving others. I don't need any more, I don't need more things, more money (I would just give it away to help others) I have ALL I need. I have an AMAZING God who loves me despite myself. I have an amazing husband, and these riduculously amazing kids. What more could I want? I feel sorry for so many people that we know that feel the need to keep aquiring 'stuff' or keep needing MORE. More money, better cars, bigger houses...they are never content. They are never satisfied, they will NEVER have enough...and honestly what GOOD are they doing with what they have?? Do they need MORE so that they can help others? Are they aquiring more to give it away? To serve others? I don't get it...
There are some changes taking place in the Norton household. Nothing major, and ALL for the better...I guess you could say that we weren't content ;) I think the 'pre-teen' behavior struggles are beginning and we are wanting to make sure we have a handle on them. We are cutting back a little on some activities, not running ourselves so ragged. More relaxed family time together, weekly Family Meetings. And most of all...more time spent with Him. Now that IS all I need...
As always, blessed to be the Nortons4
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy New Year
I've got to be honest...there's a part of me that is glad that 2012 is over. It was definitely a year of tests, a year spent 'in the fire' and while part of me is glad its over...I wouldn't change any of it. Now I KNOW that some of you just read that and said..."um, Shan?..." But really, for all of the tests, heartache, loss...I wouldn't change a thing, because in the end I feel as if I have come out BLESSED beyond measure.
I have said before that I know undoubtedly that Mom having her stroke saved Jay and I...it brought us closer together, and made God our focus. I used to think that I couldn't live with out her...that I HAD to have my mom around. God showed me that I would be just fine without her...as long as I put Him first. What I finally learned this year, through many heartaches, and many losses...was that there was only ONE who I couldn't live without...God, and as long as I focused on Him, put Him first...then I would be fine.
It was a tough year, personally...professionally...mom, job issues, personal issues. They took their toll. But through them all, I put Him first...and amazing things happened. We had the opportunity to help out a family/friend. We were able to develop some friendships into very important relationships. The kids are getting older, so football season seemed a bit more manageable. And since our Sunday School class started going to the games...I even started sitting in the stands...sometimes ;) Honestly though, if it weren't for the amazing group of Coach's Wives (and a few select parents) I'm not sure how any of us would make it through...
But I digress...because my point is, I am SO Blessed. I am blessed to have all those people sit around me as a buffer in the stands. Blessed to be in a circle of Coach's Wives together, with other precious ladies who get it! Blessed to work at a place that is more a family...than a job. Blessed to have some amazing friends, who are truly family. Blessed to have some family that are some amazing friends. Blessed to have some family that I am finally learning to trust and love. Blessed that I had the amazing gift of 40 years with the best mom ever. Blessed that I have learned that forgiveness and love is so much better than pride. Blessed to spend my days with God and my Nortons4
I have said before that I know undoubtedly that Mom having her stroke saved Jay and I...it brought us closer together, and made God our focus. I used to think that I couldn't live with out her...that I HAD to have my mom around. God showed me that I would be just fine without her...as long as I put Him first. What I finally learned this year, through many heartaches, and many losses...was that there was only ONE who I couldn't live without...God, and as long as I focused on Him, put Him first...then I would be fine.
It was a tough year, personally...professionally...mom, job issues, personal issues. They took their toll. But through them all, I put Him first...and amazing things happened. We had the opportunity to help out a family/friend. We were able to develop some friendships into very important relationships. The kids are getting older, so football season seemed a bit more manageable. And since our Sunday School class started going to the games...I even started sitting in the stands...sometimes ;) Honestly though, if it weren't for the amazing group of Coach's Wives (and a few select parents) I'm not sure how any of us would make it through...
But I digress...because my point is, I am SO Blessed. I am blessed to have all those people sit around me as a buffer in the stands. Blessed to be in a circle of Coach's Wives together, with other precious ladies who get it! Blessed to work at a place that is more a family...than a job. Blessed to have some amazing friends, who are truly family. Blessed to have some family that are some amazing friends. Blessed to have some family that I am finally learning to trust and love. Blessed that I had the amazing gift of 40 years with the best mom ever. Blessed that I have learned that forgiveness and love is so much better than pride. Blessed to spend my days with God and my Nortons4
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