tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post9130796683118917669..comments2024-01-10T01:34:46.891-08:00Comments on Four Flights of Fancy: For the Sake of TransparencyFour Flightshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10000752220758742399noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-68455988114427798462010-05-13T22:40:25.915-07:002010-05-13T22:40:25.915-07:00I just found your blog and wanted to say that your...I just found your blog and wanted to say that your candid heart is refreshing. And no, you are not alone. <br /><br />I believe that we all go through dry spells at times and finding our way "home" can feel overwhelming, scary and very isolating. It's at these times in my life that I remember the story of the prodigal son. I hope you can follow me on this one. Often times, when I am too busy, I find myself walking away from my Father and spending my inheritance, working on my own projects, my own things, my life, my, my, my..... you get the point. And then, I find myself much like that son, wishing and longing to go home. Take note, this is the amazing part. Luke 15:20, "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." The father was gazing out on the horizon, waiting for his son to come home. And once he saw him, he ran to him. I guess my point is this. We have prodigal moments and then realize it is time to come home. Praise God that he is waiting for us. And, when He sees us on the horizon He runs to us. He embraces us. He has compassion for us. And we find forgiveness and His heart. He is a good God.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing your heart.<br /><br />KCRKCRhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09331970478812717617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-71193458286795147962010-05-12T19:22:02.571-07:002010-05-12T19:22:02.571-07:00Just stumbled onto your blog, and I've been wo...Just stumbled onto your blog, and I've been working on this issue myself for quite a while. There's a book that has been helpful for me called, "The Creative Counterpart." It's a little old school in places, but there are several chapters that are really good.<br /><br />Thanks for the post!<br />TJTJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01093605732471375783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-48477889365974386202010-05-05T21:07:31.298-07:002010-05-05T21:07:31.298-07:00I feel like I could have written this post myself....I feel like I could have written this post myself.Heather @ Glitter and Glosshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14692574333822565833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-43824193782980711622010-05-05T16:00:56.720-07:002010-05-05T16:00:56.720-07:00WOW, my friends. thank you so much for all of you...WOW, my friends. thank you so much for all of your input, feedback, and support. it feels good to know that I am not the only one that struggles with this. I can honestly say that I cried at almost every comment posted...I was very emotional yesterday. Thank you to the ones that shared their own struggles, and thank you to those that offered suggestions.<br />Heather, I really appreciate your take on starting your prayers by first thanking him for all your blessings. I hadn't thought of that in a long time. <br />Carrie, your words about God not needing my English words was like WOW! <br />SincereFaith, that book sounds intriguing. Right now I don't know what kind of story my life is telling...and I appreciate you reading.<br />Chris in Canada, welcome to my little blog :) While outside today, I felt a breeze and thought of you. <br />Jules, I have heard of Crazy Love but don't know much about it. I will talk to Rachel about it because I know she started a book club based on it. <br />Janna-I read Eat, Pray, Love and wrote a blog post about it. I will send it to you. <br />Amber, please send me an email letting me know about your church. I'm willing to look into all opportunities. <br />Laura, I too try to make a point to sit down and play with the kids throughout the day. But the thing that makes me sad is that while spending a few minutes playing with them, my mind is somewhere else. It really makes me sad actually. I so want to be there with them. thus, doing less in my mind :)<br />Nicole, i would LOVE to get together a group of us and talk about those things. I think it would be so beneficial. Thank you for suggesting it.<br />Okay, everyone else, thank you again from the bottom of my heart. I truly appreciate and value and love all of your comments. <br />Love, meFour Flightshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10000752220758742399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-45776059327640174262010-05-05T10:19:15.150-07:002010-05-05T10:19:15.150-07:00Sometimes it's not easy to hear God over all t...Sometimes it's not easy to hear God over all the shouting in your head. Even prayer can be a battle because we translate our needs into language, more head noise. Don't forget, God doesn't need your English words. He knows your heart, what you need, and sometimes you have to simply listen for that "still, quiet voice". Put on classical music, Geez, put on Syd's white noise machine, and give your self a moment of rest....and go get a massage.Fairytale Trailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06420659126702579336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-58031909304348350862010-05-05T09:43:17.665-07:002010-05-05T09:43:17.665-07:00I think we all go through what you described. Put...I think we all go through what you described. Putting it down on was brave and inspirational!! I for one appreciate what you have to share with us.liseluvhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11505128365412261037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-35020246946860309852010-05-05T00:07:02.897-07:002010-05-05T00:07:02.897-07:00Bravo to you for hitting "publish." You ...Bravo to you for hitting "publish." You are definitely not alone...Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05655715439237485400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-55438266684005308902010-05-04T22:41:57.638-07:002010-05-04T22:41:57.638-07:00Lovely post mama. As you'll see from the comm...Lovely post mama. As you'll see from the comments you are not alone. I try really hard to only hop on the computer when the kids are not around. It's lights out at our house at 7:30pm, so that helps me have "me" time.<br />The whole endless chores thing..can't help ya there...or maybe I can. I make them a game. F helps me dry the dishes, E feeds the dog. Both girls love to fold laundry...I know...weird. I commit to getting down on their level and "playing" at least a few times a day. Right now they're really into artwork. F likes me to copy her drawings.<br /><br />At the end of the day there's a balance. A balance that will work for you and your family. You're already 5 steps ahead to notice the unbalance right now. Kudos to you for calling it out and searching for the answers.<br /><br />I'm gonna go have a baby now...i think...<br /><br />xoxoCrooked Moon Mamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08241093683989459876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-10148490006933198952010-05-04T21:48:23.926-07:002010-05-04T21:48:23.926-07:00quieting my mind, so overwhelming! I believe that...quieting my mind, so overwhelming! I believe that I have come to be addicted to the "busy" and the "fun" and the "acquisition of pretty shiny things"...<br />sometime I feel like I set myself on fire just for the thrill and then spend hours or even days feeling spent and "burnt out" with no real way of recovering...<br />I'm with you honey, I'm with you!elsiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02819567910100552668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-39009815910987012672010-05-04T21:32:19.625-07:002010-05-04T21:32:19.625-07:00Just found your blog today- I'm very drawn to ...Just found your blog today- I'm very drawn to it, and have read a number of posts already.<br /><br />Learning from a lesson I'm teaching my two boys, I'm trying to take an extra breath before responding/reacting; and also looking for the little ways God sends 'love notes' to me... sounds odd, but stuff like noticing a gentle breeze, the laughter of my boys, the crazy snow that came today... all stuff to bring my focus off myself and my 'list' and back on to Him. This helps me to appreciate each moment (or is supposed to *sigh*) <br /><br />Looking forward to more of your posts.<br /><br />Chris in SK, CANADAChrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10464126841871943214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-6941641351994112062010-05-04T21:30:40.550-07:002010-05-04T21:30:40.550-07:00What a beautifully honest post. I think the first...What a beautifully honest post. I think the first step to making a change is acknowledging what you want to change. You've done that my friend and I'm confident that you will work hard to get to that place.<br /><br />Although my children (as you know) never seem to give me the time to do those "things" you mentioned and I think I spend a lot of time playing with them I still really struggle with being fully present for them at times. I am planning on going to the May 13 - “Staying Present with our Children” seminar with Shaila Saint. Maybe we can go together? <br /><br />I am also really looking to deepen my relationship with the Lord. I look forward to hearing how your prayer meeting goes on Thursday. <br /><br />I think what you are looking for is something that many of us strive for. Maybe we can figure out a way to come together as a group and accomplish some of this collectively. Maybe we can set aside some time to get together and talk - talk less about the kids latest accomplishment or crazy stunt and start talking more about ways to connect with God and our children and strengthen our faith.<br /><br />I don't know, just some thoughts. I'm glad you hit publish and I hope your week continues along your new focused path. Get down and dirty with your little ones and share some of the joy later in the week.<br /><br />Hugs-<br />NicoleSummers Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09822724970445249877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-71786197690301055132010-05-04T20:55:05.389-07:002010-05-04T20:55:05.389-07:00I struggle with all of the "noise" too. ...I struggle with all of the "noise" too. Lately, I feel like I am incapable of stopping the madness in my head, my life, all around me. I just want to appreciate what is around me. what God has blessed me with instead of being focused on the to do. I am right there with you, my friend. Right there with you...Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00492280871460003185noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-51635418906213001192010-05-04T19:41:39.567-07:002010-05-04T19:41:39.567-07:00the chatter is the enemy, no? i work really, real...the chatter is the enemy, no? i work really, really hard to stay in the THIS moment. that means i tell myself that i only have to worry about this minute right in front of me. it's hard to do, especially in a world addicted to moving too fast, but it is worth the effort. <br /><br />right now i'm reading simplicity parenting and while the parenting advice is great what is really making an impact on me is the support and advice on how i want our (my family's) life to run. simpler and more full. i highly recommend it.<br /><br />in regards to connecting to God and prayer i ALWAYS start my prayers by thanking Him for the goodness in my life. one thought of thanks leads to another and before i know it i forget to "ask" him for anything. it has helped me immensely in creating an open relationship with God.<br /><br />i hope those little bits help you. i know what it feels like to feel disconnected from your life and i'll be praying that it can change for you. soon.Heather @ Life Made Lovelyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15735627545669231663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-13625914883551728482010-05-04T19:11:58.349-07:002010-05-04T19:11:58.349-07:00I love it. I feel the same way, but have been get...I love it. I feel the same way, but have been getting much, much better about it. Church helps. Prayer helps. I have some other books and ebooks that I have read that have been very enlightening, too, on possessions and competition and values.<br /><br />I own the book Crazy Love, but (sad to say) I haven't read enough of it to tell you whether it's a good book. I bought it, though, because I have heard that it's life changing.Juleshttp://www.pancakesandfrenchfries.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-84419701246448499862010-05-04T18:58:16.536-07:002010-05-04T18:58:16.536-07:00Been there... I still find my old self trying to r...Been there... I still find my old self trying to rear it's ugly head during certain holidays or occasions... but, since I have started writing down my prayers and having a quite time with God (reading the bible or an inspirational devotional) things just seem much less frantic and less important... But, for the most part, I am asking God to "put my in my place" daily. <br /><br />And you better believe He sure does!<br /><br />PS, I go to a great church with lots o' opportunities to serve and connect... let me know if you are interested... or, for all I know you could be leaving that church, lol.amberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-24320411224561962132010-05-04T18:24:25.119-07:002010-05-04T18:24:25.119-07:00Min, after reading your post, I kinda felt ashamed...Min, after reading your post, I kinda felt ashamed of myself for wishing that "just once the kids would play together and not want me in there constantly with them" But really, why? What could be more important than those 4 human beings that God blessed me with? Certainly not the laundry or the dishwasher or even this darn 'puter. I am blessed that my husband is willing to work extra hard so I can be home with my babies everyday, and how dare I complain and say I wish they would not need me all the time. <br /><br />But I do have 1 rule: Mom is off duty at 8 PM!!<br /><br />XXXOOO<br />Your SisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-88538671440198825102010-05-04T17:38:36.590-07:002010-05-04T17:38:36.590-07:00Something my former therapist (how's THAT for ...Something my former therapist (how's THAT for TMI?) said was to be careful about being too judgemental about the negative voices. I found it helpful to just learn to recognize the neg talk for what it was, a passing thought, not truth. Like, "wow, that is such a weird thing to think about Xperson/myself," and let it pass.<br /><br />Putting yourself out there is hard to do, but worth it. You'll inspire others and yourself!ErinBWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16778464658658955776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-38990135288390308112010-05-04T17:34:58.224-07:002010-05-04T17:34:58.224-07:00Oh how I know what you're feeling. I am strug...Oh how I know what you're feeling. I am struggling with EXACTLY the same thing right now. I just read Eat Pray Love, and while I don't totally agree with the author's view on God, I 100% agree with the soul searching and finding yourself aspects of the book. I recommend that one. Not a riveting fast read, but an easy read from which I gained a little perspective.Jannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00573783204734843653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-47372685958704559372010-05-04T16:48:36.914-07:002010-05-04T16:48:36.914-07:00Andrea,
Thank you for posting this. I believe thi...Andrea,<br />Thank you for posting this. I believe this is a struggle that so many people face.<br />They feel like there is alot of "noise" in their minds/life.<br /><br />I would love to talk more about this with you. For both of us, since I have often thought about this. Let's get coffee soon, my friend.<br /><br />Good for you on sharing. It's not always easy, but it is ALWAYS appreciated by those that can relate.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1911776287527151601.post-58298397985791433442010-05-04T16:31:05.664-07:002010-05-04T16:31:05.664-07:00I'd like to say "ditto" to this post...I'd like to say "ditto" to this post.<br /><br />Feel free to send any and all advice you get my way.<br /><br />If you send it with a chocolate bar, I will love you forever.<br /><br />:)Kimmie @ Hello Messhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15772636459724777938noreply@blogger.com