Christmas Control December 14, 2009

Despite our best attempts at just enjoying the holidays and truly focusing on the Reason for the Season, we tend to shift into the ‘Christmas Control’ gear. Why? Because that’s often our default response to things. We like to take things in our own hands, make sure everything is just right, meet the holiday expectations we’ve set for ourselves. It’s kind of funny to me that we all acknowledge and admit the ‘hustle and bussel’ of this time of year. It’s the norm of Christmas and we have to remain in ‘Christmas Control’ in order to keep up!

Control is one of my main struggles. Like most women, I want to be in control, look in control, feel in control . . . have it all together. Ironically, the less I feel in control, the more I try to control. I wish it wasn’t true, but I’d much rather be in control than vulnerable.

But when we’re in control, we’re missing out!!! We are missing out on an incredible world of being vulnerable, experiencing God fully, letting Him work, portraying His beauty, living in His grace . . . celebrating true Christmas joy, peace, and love!

Joy, Peace, and Love . . . December 12, 2009

This is such a wonderful time of year!  ‘Merry’ just fits the atmosphere!  Christmas decorations everywhere.  Christmas music playing in the stores.  Scents of peppermint and gingerbread in the air.  Just makes me happy.

I’m guessing we’ve all been checking the lists of gifts we’re giving, parties we’re attending, and goodies we’re baking.  Whether we admit it or not, we’re planning what the next few weeks will be like, what all we need to do before and during, what we’ll take with us where, what outfit we’ll be wearing to which event . . . even what outfit we’ll wear twice but around totally different people of course.   We’ve got it all under control, right?

So where does the joy, peace, and love of this season fit into all of this?

Give!!! December 8, 2009

In light of the holiday season, excuse me, I mean CHRISTmas season . . .

Jesus said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ – Acts 20:35

Let’s share some ways to give to those in our community . . . here are some ideas . . .

• Santa’s Cause – you can donate toys to be given to children in the community. You can even help Santa deliver them to the families and share Jesus’s love!
• The Downtown Half-Way House – items are being collected to help these people as they change their lives and have a fresh start.  If you wanna get even more involved, let me know, and I can hook you up with the awesome lady leading the effort!
• The Children’s Center – pick up some diapers and lotions for these special children, but there’s a specific list so check out their website or just holler!
• Sponsor a Family – check with your church staff to find a family in need of some Christmas cheer and a visit from Santa!

Add a comment with another way to give . . .

A Beautiful Fit December 7, 2009

First, I need God.  Second, I need hubby, my real man.

‘The desires of a man’s heart and the desires of a woman’s heart were at least meant to fit beautifully together. A woman in the presence of a good man, a real man, loves being a woman. His strength allows her feminine heart to flourish. His pursuit draws out her beauty. And a man in the presence of a real woman loves being a man. Her beauty arouse him to play the man, draws out his strength. She inspires him to be a hero.’ – John & Stasi Eldredge

Tell your spouse you need them . . . better yet, show them.

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!