Needed December 6, 2009

I think we all want to be needed.  We attach our value to meeting those needs.  We also can all honestly say we like to be wanted and definitely see our value in fulfilling those wants.  Then we have all those expectations we’ve set for ourselves . . . no wonder we wear ourselves out!

The irony, though, is as I go around trying to meet the needs, fulfill the wants, live up to my silly expectations of perfection, I tend to overlook or even deny my genuine needs and wants.  This lesson continues to be a tough one to learn.  I laugh when I think that I find such fulfillment in helping others, but I don’t easily accept help myself.  Heck, I have a tough time even admitting my weaknesses to get the help!

Why do we want to be strong? Have it all together? Be in control?  Have everything in order? Do everything correctly? Yet be all beautiful, lovely, and calm at all times?

Here’s my #1 need:  I need Him.  I need my Lord.  I need His Holy Spirit to fill me.

I need His unconditional love. I need His amazing grace. I need His wisdom and beauty. I need Him in my marriage. I need Him at work throughout the day. I need Him with my family. I need Him with my friends. I need Him when I serve, give, do. I need Him when I run.  I need Him when I’m alone.

I also NEED Him to fully grasp how much He WANTS me!   Now there’s the beauty, love, and peace I search for . . .

We all need Him.  Let’s celebrate this need this Christmas season!

Sweet Simplicity December 3, 2009

Now that my schedule has slowed down, I’m appreciating the blessed simplicity of life in the Myrin home. Despite the challenging medical classes my hubby is taking, he has kept an amazing balance and makes me feel valuable and loved every day! I also enjoy being able to give him lots of attention! I laugh when I think of our evenings and weekends at home lately. . .

We are easily amused by our two ‘kids’ and how each pup is full of so much personality and energy. They make us laugh, and we definitely know we are loved by them. We have finally jumped on the DVR bandwagon and have recently gotten on a Friends kick. I, of course, could watch that series over and over again, but I really enjoy watching them with Gerardo, listening to him laugh out loud throughout each show while we cuddle. While he studies, I’ve started baking and trying new recipes as well as reading and writing.

Don’t get me wrong, I love being active and social and having lots to do, but I am definitely appreciating this holiday season of simplicity. It also helps me focus on what Christmas is really all about . . .

Whatever You’re Doing . . . December 2, 2009

This song rocks me every time I hear it, and I can’t help but just stop and worship along . . . maybe because it’s almost as if this is my heart’s song the past few months . . .
P.S. Lovely Pearls is back!    And it’s snowing!!!

Whatever You’re Doing – by Sanctus Real —- click this to listen along, it’s way better to hear it too

It’s time for healing, time to move on, it’s time to fix what’s been broken too long. Time to make right what has been wrong; it’s time to find my way to where I belong. There’s a wave that’s crashing over me, and all I can do is surrender. Whatever You’re doing inside of me. It feels like chaos, but somehow there’s peace. And it’s hard to surrender to what I can’t see, but I’m giving in to something heavenly. Time for a milestone, time to begin again, re-evaluate who I really am. Am I doing everything to follow Your will or just climbing aimlessly over these hills? So show me what it is You want from me. I give everything – I surrender. Time to face up, clean this old house. Time to breathe in and let everything out that I’ve wanted to say for so many years. Time to release all my held back tears. Whatever You’re doing inside of me. It feels like chaos, but I believe … You’re up to something bigger than me. Larger than life, something heavenly. Whatever You’re doing inside of me. It feels like chaos, but now I can see. This is something bigger than me. Larger than life. Something heavenly, something heavenly. Time to face up, clean this old house. Time to breathe in and let everything out . . . 

Let’s surrender to something heavenly . . .

Actions Speak Louder Than Words August 26, 2008

When I began Lovely Pearls back in November, it was out of pure obedience to Him and my personal desire to share with you all that was going on in my crazy mind!  Over the past couple of years, I have learned and grown in wonderful ways!  I had hoped that this blog would be very interactive among you readers, but I’ve definitely enjoyed the email responses and comments you all did give.  Now as Gerardo and I are beginning this new season, I feel my own focus and attentions rearranging and believe once again He is calling me . . .

I have decided that there is a really good chance this is my last post.  My desire is to put more action to my thoughts and His teachings.  I would rather put my efforts towards interacting personally with you all and doing life together rather then just sharing about mine.  No worries – I am definitely keeping Lovely Pearls up and running, and hope you all enjoy referring back to some of the posts rather it be by categories, dates, or whatever.  God is continually at work, and I hope you seek Him intentionally.  He never called us to be comfortable!

Thank you for letting me share with you some of my favorites about today (1, 2, 3, 4), grace, joy, all the blessings, and even a random gift sack!  I know I shared lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of verse and quotes as well.  We are all beauties and warriors in His eyes, and I pray you all continue to share His love with everyone around you!

For all of you regular readers, I love having this relationship with you and pray that it only grows stronger.  I’m going to try to remain pretty active on Facebook ‘Libby Shinn Myrin’ and also don’t want you to hesitate to email me at libby.myrin@okstatealumni.org.

Thank you all!  Love you!!!  xoxo . . . simly, classy, fun!!!

(In case it’s not visible, there are several links in this text.)

My Medical Student August 14, 2008

We attended a dinner last night for first year medical students – part of Gerardo’s orientation activities.  There was a raffle with several prizes.  We watched as they called others’ numbers and made jokes about our not winning.  Then the last number was called – Gerardo’s!  And look what he won!

Yup, that’s right.  He won a real skull!!!  Only a medical student would be pumped about that.  Oh, here we go . . .

Champagne Glasses August 13, 2008

This is totally random, but I’ve devloped a thing for champagne glasses.  Call me crazy, but I see a lot of meaning in them.  And I’m not talking about the actual champagne buzz.

I see a lot of simplicity and class in these little glasses.  Almost every time they are used, it is during a celebration and a happy time.

Simplicity. Class. Celebration. Happy.  That’s why I’m loving champagne glasses!  They aren’t quite my lovely pearls, but they’re getting close!

Amazing Singing 7-year-old Not Cute Enough August 12, 2008

Click HERE and read this story!!!  I’m angry and sad at the same time!  I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!  Who sets the standards of cuteness anyway?!?!?!?!

It’s Here!!! August 12, 2008

I used to think I wasn’t a big fan of change!  But I sure am excited about this one! 

Today I am starting my Graduate Accounting Certification through the University of Phoenix. (Yes, I’m one of the few that actually enjoys school.)
Gerardo’s med school orientation is this week with class starting on Monday.  (We are both just so happy about his beginning medical school and what lies ahead with all of that! I’m so proud of him!)
Sounds like I might get to start teaching at the University of Phoenix campus in OKC.  (Hopefully a starting point to my ultimate career dream – teaching.)
Starting some new involvement in a community program with Boeing. (My position uses my mind but this is more in-line with my heart.)
My new job is no long feeling as ‘new’.  (Really enjoying it . . . whole package is a gift from God.)
We’re gonna get back into serving regularly at our LifeChurch.tv campus.  (Able to actually experience my church as my church now.)
I’m on a new health kick that is just that – focused on health instead of the stupid scale. (Don’t worry – be healthy!)
Getting more regularly with spending time with the girlfriends.  (That’s just good for the soul.)

I guess when it comes down to it, I am enjoying all this change because I know it is all completely from Him and fills me with peace and joy!  God is good!

What about you?  Do you find yourself enjoying or dreading change?

Olympics!!! August 11, 2008

So I had a somewhat cynical attitude about the Olympics prior to their start due to all the protests and scandals.  But after the Opening Ceremony and watching some events this weekend, I think I’m hooked!  Did ya’ll see the men’s swimming relay last night?  Or the mens bike race on Saturday?  I love the excitement and energy!  I’m enjoying how regardless of world events, political drama, and differing views, we can all come together in a fun and healthy way!

I always have wished I could dive or do a floor routine in gymnastics!  (Definitely wasn’t given the strength or body for either! )

If you could, wish event would you want to be yours?

Eternal Mindset August 11, 2008

Lord, give me an eternal mindset.  A mindset filled with You that overwhelms me.  Be my Consuming Fire.  May any worldly thinking be decreased to your glory and power.  May I store up my treasures in heaven.  Turn my thoughts about this world, my appearance, my desire to please others, my tasks at work, what we’re going to have for dinner, how clean our house is – turn all my thoughts heavenward and to others’ needs.  May I live my life fearing hell and anticipating heaven.  May I be a light that reveals your grace and joy to all around me.