I love my mom. There are alot of reasons why I am posting this blog, but I just felt it was important to share this tonight. She has always been my security as the world and it's storms raged. Mom would be there, she would be the same. I learned to put my trust in God years ago, and I have a lot of trust in my husband as well....but there's still that special place for Mom. She loved us *and still does* with a ferocity unlike anything I have ever seen. She has taken a lot of criticism (much like how I am sometimes criticized for the way I mother Hannah) for how fiercely and protectively she cared for us, but she never stopped. Her love for us has been unyielding...no matter what we have said, what we have done.
I am thankful for a few more things....
My mood is lifting as I think about spending time with Daniel and Hannah tonight. :)
Grocery shopping tonight...I am probably one of the few people in the world who actually ENJOYS that. I just love taking care of my family, planning meals, cooking for them....makes me happy.
The sun is beginning to shine.
There is a nice breeze outside.
I reached that unreachable student today....can't say what tomorrow will bring, but for today....
Today I am thankful for...
1. The yummy toast and spreadable fruit I had for breakfast.
2. Last night's wonderful church service.
3. Extra sleep...I overslept today, and I am trying not to let it mess up my day!
4. Seeing Dawn this weekend and her jewelry reminding me of my precious "Hannah" necklace in my jewelry box. I dug it out and I am wearing it proudly today. I am so proud of my Hannah!
5. Hannah's smile
6. Friday!
7. Friday night football game with hubby and friends :)
8. The rain that is coming...again!
9. The sink full of dishes I have to go home and wash...at least I have a family to mess up the dishes!
10. For my life and how happy my family makes it.
I am also thankful for these lovely sisters in the Lord I am "meeting" through online blogs. I have read about how these women faced some of the greatest fears that Mommies have, and still survive! Thrive at that. And it makes me grateful. Grateful that I have a beautiful, healthy daughter, grateful that I can take care of her, grateful for the relationship that we have. I read as one mom described simply being able to pick up her child again, and what joy it brought. She felt like a mommy again for the first time in a long time. And I sat and read that and BAWLED. How blessed am I that I get to be a mommy to Hannah each and every day? Even when it's hard, even when it's thankless and messy and tiring....I GET to be a mommy to her. I get to love her, nurture her, watch her grow and blossom. I don't have to miss large chunks of time with her because of some awful tragedy that I went through that rendered me helpless. Or like my other blogger mom friend-who lost the child that she carried in her womb for all those months. To lay eyes on that child, hold that child, and feel the joy that comes with a new life....and then to have to give her back to God that same day!? I could go on and on, but the point is-God, I am grateful. Thank You for giving me life, and for making it good. I am SO unworthy of your countless blessings. You are Jehovah, and I worship You.
Today I am thankful for...
1. Cooler weather
2. Last night's dinner that I didn't have to cook.
3. A fun, successful choir practice.
4. Hubby's birthday weekend that we are busily planning.
5. Spending time with Hannah after work yesterday....we went for a 1 mile walk! :)
6. Our friends
7. Our family
8. Organization....I am SO working on getting us back to it!
9. Tomorrow-payday!
10. The peace I feel knowing that God is in control.
*SQUEAL*....I can feel it. Fall is in the air. There is a nice little breeze this afternoon, just a faint whisper of cooler weather to come. I can't wait!
Today I am thankful for...
1. Our great vacation....staycation, I mean
2. new David Crowder Band cd
3. church last night
4. four day week :)
5. Being able to shop for Hannah yesterday
6. God's grace
7. my hubby
8. All the great photos we took this weekend.
9. Finally making it to work....I overslept a little today and then could NOT get moving!
10. My friend Jennie being okay....she got into an accident this week and is in a lot of pain, but she is still here!
Thankful for....
1. Beauty for ashes
2. Strength for fear
3. Gladness for mourning
4. Peace for despair
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Just had that scripture in my heart today and thought it was appropriate for this.
5. FRIDAY!
6. Long weekend to enjoy with family at the beach
7. My husband buying dinner last night so I didn't have to cook....and he went to the store for me....and he helped me clean/pack. LOVE HIM! :)
8. God's presence that I feel when I praise Him
9. My cute leopard ballet flats that I just resurrected. I dunno if they are still in style or not, but I sure LOVE 'EM!
10. Hearing God's voice first thing in the morning....great start to my day.
I was so grieved in my soul last night as I was reading Facebook updates and what not. People who try to "explain" or "explain away" God's miracles irk me so bad! I was prompted to post "Some things that God does cannot be explained. So why try?" And then I just went to bed. I have deleted people in the past when I have seen things like that on their Facebook pages. It's not that I am trying to be rude or self-righteous or anything else, but I don't want doubt filling my mind! I don't want people to try to convince me that my God isn't real, because it makes me want to argue with them, and we aren't supposed to do that. But, I realized today-I don't have to argue with them. They can watch my life, my family, my friends, my church....and see how real He is. His blessings are not "coincidences", they are manifestations of His love on the Earth. Yes, PEOPLE make those blessings come about sometimes, but who do we think gave those people the idea to give or love or share? Certainly not Satan!
So, just as I said they should not try to explain away His ways or His reasoning or His timing, I need not "explain" His blessings and His love. Just let it be seen. "That your conduct be honorable among the people, that they will see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven." Peter 1
Today I am thankful for...
1. Thridays! :) Today is Thursday that is kind of like a Friday, we have no students tomorrow-but we do have to work.
2. Chocolate....yeah, it's that kinda day already ;)
3. Eddie James Ministries....to get me singing and dancing when I am this tired is quite an accomplishment.
4. The Holy Spirit...He already met with me this morning
5. Expectation....can't wait for this weekend.
6. Ppl who sow into my life by helping me with Hannah so I can accomplish the OTHER things I have to do each day.
7. Laughter
8. Friends
9. Facebook....keeps me up to date with everyone.
10. Friday :)
Today I am thankful for.....
1. God's faithfulness
2. God's kindness
3. Rest and relaxation...coming very soon! :)
4. Two reliable vehicles
5. Little gifts from God each day...some ppl call them coincidences, I call them blessings!
6. My family....can't stop listing that one!
7. The sound of the rain on the rooftop...makes me feel secure and happy.
8. Wednesday night service
9. Pictures....love capturing those precious memories forever.
10. This great book series I am reading....The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers....unconditional love at it's best!
Today, I am thankful for....
1. teaching (and teacher friends)
2. clothes to wear
3. food to eat
4. God's word
5. music
6. God's love
7. shelter (and a very comfy bed)
8. God's provision
9. the ocean
10. my new BlackBerry cell phone
Good morning, friends. I was able to get on really quickly this morning and share my thankfulness list, but I didn't get to share about my weekend. Nothing went as I had planned it, but that was the best part about it! Friday after work, Hannah and I went for a walk. My phone rang, and it was Express. They had a job for me, just for Saturday-nine dollars an hour working in an office. We need that money desperately, so I took it. So, I had to run over and get the key to the place, and go by Express and get my timecard. *It was kinda funny going to something that was sort of like a job orientation with your child in tow. She had a blast, though.* Then I got home and got things ready to go to the Sloan house for dinner. We had a wonderful time visiting with them, I am going to miss them so much when they move this month.
Saturday morning I got up and wished that I could stay home with my baby girl. But, I went and it was fine. An extra paycheck is always a blessing! Saturday night was chaotic. I got home and started cooking dinner for Jennie and myself, Daniel left for the oyster roast and Hannah began crying and whining in her high chair. I felt like the picture of the harried mom. So, poor Jennie came in and had to deal with my foul mood. I got everyone fed, and decided Hannah was ready for bed. She went to sleep by 7:30!!! She has been so exhausted lately, I guess it's the teething. Anyway, again-poor Jennie. She had to sit in our living room and wait for me to finish taking care of Hannah. We had a nice visit though, and got some things decided for the Trunk or Treat and other children's events we are planning.
Sunday morning, we overslept for church. Chaos, hurry, run! We got there on time, but there was SUCH tension and oppression in the air. We had to stop practice and pray several times. I even had a little miny meltdown. It was just rough, people! A couple of hours later, we found out why. We had one of the most awesome services I have ever been a part of at Ministry Center. The Lord moved and touched people in the way that only He can. It was wonderful! Then we had an unexpected blessing-no church last night. There is a problem with the water at the church, so that was unfortunate-but a night off was just what I needed. I also didn't have to cook, because Chris invited us over for lunch yesterday, and we had leftover spaghetti *from girls' night with Jennie* to eat for dinner. Then I had another night where I couldn't fall asleep, but that's okay. I am going into this week with a new determination to live every day for God and find His blessings in as many situations as I can.
I am also determined to get ALOT done, because we are going to be staying with Dad and Dawn and some more of the family on St. Simons this weekend. Packing for Hannah to go anywhere is a big job, so I have a lot to do to get our family ready to stay somewhere else for the weekend. I am so excited about this time together with my dad and the rest of the family though! What a wonderful blessing!
It was so sweet to me the thought that came to mind yesterday. After we had that wonderful service, and I just KNEW that my Heavenly Father had shown up, I sat and thought about my earthly Father. And I thought about how much I want to see him and how I can't wait until he gets here. In that moment, I just wanted to feel my earthly Father wrap his arms around me the way I had felt my Heavenly Father do that morning. And in a few more days, I will get my wish! Despite all that we've been through, my dad and I have a great relationship. I love him so much and I am so grateful to have him in my life. Dad, if you read this-I love you very much and I am so blessed to call you "Dad".
I am "following the leader". :) My stepmom Dawn is creating a list of ten things she is thankful for each day. I am doing the same.
1. my relationship with God
2. the country I live in (we have our problems, but we still have alot of freedoms that other countries don't!)
3. my daughter
4. my husband
5. my relationship with my parents (Dawn and Billy, I include you on that list)
6. my relationship with my husband's parents
7. my home
8. my church
9. my friends
10. my job
I am at work, and taking a breather during my planning time. It has been a BUSY day-as Fridays always are. I am really enjoying working full time in a school again (especially Satilla Marsh-BIG GRIN), but I am not feeling well and I am SO tired. So, I am glad that it is Friday. Tonight we are having dinner with our precious friends, The Sloans. Tomorrow we have a baby shower to decorate, cook for, and attend(so excited to meet Malachi in a few weeks!) and tomorrow night the men are having an oyster roast at the church. Jennie, Hannah, and I are going to have a girls' night at my house. :) I am looking forward to some fun and relaxation this weekend.
What I am really looking forward to though is next weekend! I have LOTS of family coming into town, and I cannot wait to see them. Hannah is eight months old and hasn't met most of this part of the family. I also get to meet my precious little brother Marc for the first time!! We are going to be staying at a beach house on St. Simons for the whole weekend. How wonderful! Even though it's close to home, it will still feel like a vacation to me-since I haven't been on vacation in years! So, I probably won't be posting much these next few weekends because I will be too busy enjoying my wonderful friends and family. Blessings to all!
I don't know what it is, but I just feel this MAJOR expectancy that something good is about to happen to me. I think it's my faith rising up in anticipation of God's blessings coming. I cannot WAIT to see what He is going to do. We have been through so much this year, but it has been amazing how my faith has been strengthened. I asked God a long time ago to make me a woman of faith, more so than I was. I knew I loved Him and served Him, but I wanted stronger faith in His ability to take care of me. He is giving me that.
When I went through all of the health problems....from the dizzying headaches....to the blood clot....to the scarlet fever.....and the back issues.....I had fear some of that time. Actually with the blood clot, there was ALOT of fear. But then towards the end (coincidence?.....no) of all the sickness I just said to Him-"God, heal me...I know you can." And that was that. My body was under strain, but my faith has been strengthened through that.
When I lost my job, I was scared, angry, confused, humbled, humiliated....etc.....etc. But through that ordeal, He has shown me more of who He is than I ever thought possible. He has taken me out of my comfort zone, shown me that I can take it day by day and be just fine. He has shown me that He can care for and provide for my family...He doesn't need my help! I always had to have a plan, had to be in control. But God is showing me that HE CAN handle my life...much better than I can. He knows me and He loves me, and as my friend Joey says "He's got it in the bag". This post may seem really random, but God is just blowing my mind right now. The thoughts (and the excitement) are coming quicker than I know how to express. So folks, hold on for the praise reports...there are many more coming!
Okay, I should soooo be in bed. But as I was getting ready to go to bed, I had a thought that blessed me so much that I wanted to share it. So, the next time you Mommies are feeling guilty because everything is not "just so" for your children...remember this post.
My child may not have the nicest house in the world. Our house might not always be spick and span. Mommy may sometimes forget (or intentionally avoid) doing the dishes. There may be loads of laundry waiting to be washed, and tubs and sinks that need to be scrubbed. She might not have the most expensive clothes or lots of new toys.
But, she has love. She has a family who would lay down their lives for her. She has food, shelter, clothing. She has a place to lay down her head at night. She has parents who love her, laugh with her, hold her, sing to her, pray for her. She has more than some children will ever dream of. In this world of neglect and abuse, she has security and peace. That is what I owe to my daughter, and that is what I give her. It gave ME such peace to hear God say that to me. You are giving your daughter exactly what she needs. She doesn't care if the house is neat and tidy, or if the refrigerator is clean. She cares about your love for her, and she has that. So, I end the day knowing that my daughter is taken care of and blessed. And that makes me happy. :)
Wow, it has been forever! ALOT has changed since I posted last. Had a sweet baby girl named Hannah, moved into a new house, changed job situations. Plenty to share about all of this in the future, but for now I just want to say "I'm back!" I lost my account information somewhere and for one reason or another, wasn't able to sign in for a long time. Pictures and details to come, but I don't have time now. Just wanted to post this idea that I saw. "Ten Reasons Why Today Is A Beautiful Day". Feel free to add your reasons to mine. Have a great day!
1. I have been busy shaping lives all day.
2. I finally know my students' names!
3. My daughter is eight months old today and PRAISE THE LORD has had no health problems.
4. God loves me.
5. My husband is my best friend.
6. Fall is in the air.
7. I went to the doctor today, and all is well! I have to share later why that is SUCH an answered prayer.
8. I have friends who pray for me.
9. I am well rested, I slept like a ROCK last night.
10. I have a home to care for and share with my family .
