Five Minute Friday: Gift

"Life's a gift, and I don't intend to waste it."  Those are the words spoken by Jack Dawson as he dined with the first class passengers in Titantic.

What great words those are!

God's Word says that every good and perfect gift is from above and that's exactly what life is.  A good and perfect gift.

Not everything about our lives is good and perfect.  I know this from my own life and especially from the lives of those that I love that are struggling.

My sweet friend who is battling brain cancer sent me a text the other night.  Although she was at low place at that moment, our conversation was a gift.  She will never realize what a special person she is to me.  A true gift from God.

I love her. I admire her. I am blessed by her. I am thankful for her.

Although she is struggling, fighting this fight that no young mother should ever have to fight, I just have to believe, and encourage her to believe, that this difficult journey is also a gift in itself.  We may never truly understand or see the goodness in her journey, but I do know that she is changing lives.  Mine included.

When I look back on my life, I want to know that I didn't waste it.  During those mountaintop moments and in my darkest valleys, I want to take advantage of the gift of life and live it to the fullest.  The Bible speaks of the Valley of Blessings. And I think that's what we have to do in order to get through our valleys, our struggles, is to see that all though they are difficult, they are also blessings.  Difficult, I know, but God's will, His plan....it's perfect.

"Here's to making it count!"

An Inconvenience? I Think Not!

Snow Day #3

I haven’t left my house since church Sunday morning.  10 inches of snow later, I am resting in my house. Kids are playing and behaving(for the moment).  Just got the call: No school for the remainder of the week.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed everyone’s Facebook posts of snow pics: sledding, snow angels, snow cream.  I’ve cringed at the photos of car wrecks and people driving on snow covered roads. Well, I assume the road is under there somewhere. 

People are frustrated because they can’t get out of the house.  The grocery stores are out of milk and bread.  Kids are going stir crazy.  Parents are constructing escape routes and finding hideouts. What an inconvenience 10 inches of snow in South Central Kentucky can be!

Just like anything else, we can choose to look at this situation in two ways: an inconvenience or a blessing.

We are a society of GO, GO, GO!  We race around chained to a schedule.  I know this better than anyone.  Last week, I barely spent any time with my family. There was homework, shopping, preparing for and attending a National Guard Conference, parent teacher conferences.  Something called my name every moment of everyday.

Now, here I sit, surrounded by books, remotes, a laptop, and coffee, wearing leggings and a long sleeve t-shirt, peeking out the window at a snow covered neighborhood.

It’s beautiful!

For me, it’s a blessing.

For one, I’ve been able to slow down.  Sleeping in. Taking naps. Playing Mario Baseball on the Wii.  Reading. Working on laundry. Cuddling.

My children have had so much fun in the snow.  Bundled up, they trudged from the back door to a snow-covered wonderland.  The air was filled with laughter as their daddy pulled their sleds behind the four-wheeler.  For three mornings now, their eyes widened in amazement of the pure whiteness that spread across our lawn. 

How can that be seen as an inconvenience? 

Sure it is cold. Sure it’s messy.  But what else would have allowed me to just stop and relax and laugh and make memories with my family.

 

Yes, I won’t be happy when we have to make up these days at the end of May, but my children will never forget the time they spent with their mama and daddy playing in the snow, cuddling on the couch, and just being together.

Its been a while....

....since I posted some items from my gratitude journal.  I'm sure if you've been reading, you've problably seen some of the things I've been thankful for lately.  Here's some....

~ covering a sleeping child ~

~ being reminded of my manners ~

~ gathering around the table for breakfast with family ~

~ quietly celebrating the 4th of July ~

~ a slow, steady rain ~

~ the boys helping with chores ~

~ a sleeping toddler's hand draped over his daddy's shoulder as he is carried to bed ~

~ being up before the sun ~

~ breakfast and good conversation in the car ~

~ hugs and kisses at the airport ~

~ a talkative Sunday School class ~

~ a young girl professing her faith in Jesus ~

~ those who volunteer for nursery duty ~

~ those who don't mind when you are late to get your kid from the nursery ~

~ the aroma of baking cakes ~

~ baking with 50 kids ~

~ shared scripture~

Romans 8:28 and 2Corinthians 2:15

~ 6 year olds smashing eggs instead of tapping them ~

~ Aunt Loretta to the rescue ~

~ good, clean Christian fun with grapes and silly faces ~

~ a Soldier's soul saved during AT ~

~ a learning opportunity for Jacob and Colin ~

~ knowing how to use a plunger ~

~ empty laundry baskets ~

~ watching loved ones reunite at the airport ~

~ reuniting with my Soldier after 2 weeks ~

~ a night alone with my husband ~

~ me time with hotel coffee, iPad, and National Lampoon's European Vacation ~

~ giving to a local organization ~

~ children clad in blue and orange Calvary t-shirts ~

~ Colin's first 10 years ~

~ how everything turns green again after a much needed rain ~

~ those who stand up for biblical values ~

~ drama free shopping with 3 boys ~

~ how he eyes my journal and purple pen, knowing he isn't supposed to have it ~

~ little boys who want to play with the big boys ~

~ the big boys who let them ~

~ the desire to do more for God ~

~ grown men who risk looking silly for the sake of kids ~

~ Leslie and her Bible Skills and Drills class ~

~ children learning God's Word ~

~ Are You Smarter than a Preacher? ~

You can link up with me and some other pretty amazing people at A Holy Experience.





Joy in the simple things

This past week was especially difficult for me.  You see, my first born, my oldest, my baby (although he will be 10 this month), went away to camp.

For the first time.

Without me.

Yes. It was difficult.

So, today for my Mulitudes on Monday list, I'd like to share some of the gifts brought on by camp, plus some not related.  Soon I'll do a post entirely about Colin's experience.

~ praying for Colin over the phone ~

~ missing him badly ~

~feeling productive when I clean the kids' rooms~

~ shucking corn with my little ones ~

~ a surprise lunch date after I was stood up ~

~ a surgery that went well ~

 ~ getting almost all of the laundry done ~

~ a "cool" day before the heat comes ~

~ a special anniversary ~

~ the chipperness in his voice ~

~ cooking breakfast for my husband ~

~ lunch with a friend ~

~ deer coming out at twilight ~

~ spotting the back of Colin's head among tons of other kids ~

~ a bad hotel experience that turned into something better ~

~ a toddler laughing in his sleep ~

~ watching Colin march in to his Space Camp graduation ~

~ Colin's The Right Stuff Award ~

~ Colin's Robotics Award ~

~ A long hug when I finally get to wrap my arms around him ~

~ choking back tears when his name is called for The Right Stuff Award ~

~ hearing the pride in his daddy's voice as we watch our home video ~

~ two little brothers who are excited to see their big brother ~

~ eating take out as a family in a hotel room on the floor ~

~ Colin's reading of "The Ragged Ol' Flag" ~

Johnny Cash would be proud!

~ my children singing during church service ~

~My man in uniform holding the American Flag ~

~ a preacher who isn't afraid to preach God's Word ~

~ lunch and fellowship at church ~

~ an afternoon of staying cool in the pool ~

What are some things you have found joy in this week? 

Aware and acknowledgment

Through this gratitude journal, this dare of being aware and acknowledging God's precious mercies and grace each day, I have taken moments that could be gross or simply are ugly and make them beautiful because I have found Him in those moments.

This week, I am sharing a few simple gifts I have acknowledged through His love...

~ a surprise lunch date ~

~ rainbow pancakes that come with the question, "Are you sure these are safe to eat? ~

~ birds chirping before sunrise ~

~ worn out kids ~

~ having an ER nurse at church ~

~ a sleepless night to pray ~

~ the little old man who offered to buy the boys gum at the barber shop ~

~ how he doesn't want his big brother to go to camp ~

~ how chocolate donuts do the trick in Wal-Mart even though the big boys disapprove ~

~ "I'm sorry," from brother to brother ~

~ simple, soft pink sunset ~

~ stopping by at 10 PM to say good bye ~

~ a safe trip ~

~silly games played in a hotel room ~



~ sending my oldest to camp ~

~ the first good morning wake up call from camp ~

 What simple gifts have you acknowledged this week?

The little things I have LIVED for this week

So, the week before last was kind of a yucky week. I was just a grouch, not much fun to be with.  I found myself fussing, complaining, yelling. I really didn't like myself.

The problem?

Stuff.

Plain and simple, we have too much stuff.

It trickles from room to room.  It overtakes the bar in the kitchen and the dining room table.  I trip over it. I wash it, fold it, and put it up. It finds its way back out.  The kids don't like cleaning it up. 

I am blessed that we have the means to have stuff, but sometimes it just stresses me out.  Now that baseball and VBS are out of the way, maybe I will have time to organize and get rid of a lot of this stuff. The chore charts will be put to great use this week too! 

In the meantime, here are a few gifts from the past week....

~ wide open spaces for kids to run ~

~ dirt and small creatures to keep kids busy ~

~ When Carter "sings" Until the Whole World Hears ~

~ Riding in cars (a van) with boys (eating ice cream )~
 ~ VBS: children, volunteers, and souls saved ! ~

 

~ lunch with a friend and lots of kids ~

 ~ Colin's Sportsmanship Award ~

~ Singing Deck the Halls in the car in June ~

~ the Creation Museum ~

~ two exhausted  6 year olds discussing what they learned and saw at the Creation Museum ~

~ Wonderful Fathers ~

What gifts have God blessed you with this week?

LIVING a Thankful Life

God's Grace....how amazing! 

It is so easy to be thankful and appreciative for daily gifts when life is blue skies and sunshine.  Not so easy is finding those small gifts when you are ready to get trash bags to "clean up" toys that the kids refuse to touch or feeling the need to pull your own hair out when the day just seems....gross or blah. 

But I try. 

When my kids are wild, when the house is a mess, when I feel like I am at my wit's end, I've really tried to find the blessings in the chaos. 

Much of the time I realize that I am feeling "miserable" because I have made the situation about me.  The kids aren't obeying ME, these boys I live with keep dirtying  dishes, clothes, and towels for ME to clean up and put a way, the cat keeps making a gross mess just for ME to take care of, nobody will help ME, everybody wants ME to do everything for them. 

Life goes so much smoother when I realize it is NOT about ME. It is about HIM.  I have to remind myself that I should do everything I do for God.  It is, after all, because of HIM that I have the health, children, pets, and "stuff," all of which He can take away at anytime. 

So since last week, here are some of the things I've listed in my own gratitude journal:

~ Calvary Baptist Church t-shirt ~

~ full moon hanging over a late night baseball game ~

~ contagious laughter ~

~ Carter dumping socks out of the basket: aka payback for big brothers ~

~ a long chat with Cheryl ~

~ saying good bye to friends ~

~ John 3:16 ~

~ watching our wedding video ~

~ his first wedding ~

~ newlyweds ~

~ feeling like family amongst strangers ~

~ VBS ~

What are you thanking God for this week?

I LIVE to give thanks for the daily gifts

Since starting my one thousand gifts journey, these are a few of the things I have recorded in my journal:

~ how he serves our country ~

~ gray, bubbly storm clouds ~

~ sleeping in with 5 children in the house ~

~ hanging out with an old friend ~

~ how he talks with his eye brows - like his mama ~

~ the medicine that helps him breathe ~

~ teachable moments ~

~ a cool beginning to June ~ 

~ sweatshirts and jeans at the ballpark ~

~ baby feet ~

~ Happyland kids ~

~ helping a friend ~

I decided to start my one thousand gifts journey after reading Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts.  I crave to find the "ugly beautiful," the gifts I take for granted, and the unsurpassing joy found in my relationship with my Heavenly Father. 

One Thousand Gifts

For Mother's Day, the boys gave me Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts. 

I have to say it is perhaps one of the best books I've read. 

Thought Provoking.

Self Reflecting.

Challenged.

Blessed.

Thankful.

This book has challenged me to be thankful, to look for the gifts in the ordinary.  Sure it is easy to pick out gifts on the mountaintop, but what about gifts in the valley? Gifts in the mundane? Gifts in the chaos? Gifts in the piles of laundry, messes that don't stay cleaned up, screaming, fighting kids?

Yes, it is possible to find those gifts.

A long time ago, we had Colin start a Thankful Book.  Each night we would write down something we were thankful for.  In our own way, we were finding the gifts of God in our lives. For a small child, the gifts were very concrete: my stuffed animal, my tv, my bike.  But the older we get, the gifts become "deeper:" the quietness of a blackout, the warmth of towels fresh out of the dryer, the lone cardinal perched overhead.

Since beginning the book, I have also begun my list of one thousand gifts. 

 Life isn't easy; God never said it would be.  He did promise he would always be here with us.  So each day, each sacred moment, I will try my best to remember....

I will rejoice and give thanks for the gifts My Father has given me. 

Forever Changed

I told Colin the other day that our lives are forever changed. I take a look back and think about the times my life took another path.

When Jeffrey and I got married, our lives were forever changed.

When Colin was born, our lives were forever changed. I remember thinking how life before him had never existed.

When I gave my life to Jesus in 2004, our lives were forever changed. This change would impact everything to come.

When Carson was born, our lives were forever changed. That was Colin's baby. He was so proud of him. I'll never forget the excitement on Colin's face the day we brought Carson home from the hospital. He bolted through the front door to meet us at the car.

When Jeffrey was accepted into the US Army Reserves, our lives were forever changed. We knew God was at work and His purpose would be fulfilled.

When Carter was born, our lives were forever changed. It is amazing once again how the big brothers in the house have taken to the baby. They are eager and willing to be there for him already. As time passes, it will seem as if this is the way it has always been.

These moments are what create life. We can't expect things to stay the same. We shouldn't desire things to stay the same.

God has forever changed my life. For that, I am truly blessed.

Not Enough Words

Jeffrey's last post, Busy, Busy, Busy was fitting for our lives. My thought was, "If we weren't so busy, we wouldn't know what to do."

You know how I love words, but did you know that sometimes there aren't enough words to express your feelings?

There are not enough words to express how much I'll miss my dear husband while he is in Chicago.

There are not enough words to express how thankful I am to work with such a great group of ladies and 3 guys who were so good to our family at "Carter's party."

There are not enough words to express how badly I feel that my Carson has a yucky cough that is making him gag and vomit.

There are not enough words to express how anxious I am to see if we have a nice turn out for our Sunday School breakfast this Sunday.

There are not enough words to express how proud I am that my boys are complimented on their good behavior and manners.

There are not enough words to express how thankful I am that Carter will be here before Jeffrey goes to South Carolina.

There are not enough words to express how swollen my feet are at the moment.

There are not enough words to express how thankful I am that my doctor's appointment went well Wednesday.

There are not enough words to express how excited I am to meet this precious baby soon.

There are not enough words to express how grateful I am to my heavenly Father for all He has done for me, although I am so undeserving.

I have been blessed in so many ways. God continues to provide for me and my family, bringing us closer together in everything we do. There are not enough words to express how much I love Him.

I Like It, I Love It, I Want Some More of It

Someone asked me the question the other day, "So, are you one of those people who love being pregnant?"


I quickly gave my answer, "Oh, yes. Aside from the nausea, I love it!"


As I walked away, I began to think about that question a little more.


Yes, I LOVE BEING PREGNANT.


You might ask, "Why? You get all fat. You get stretch marks and swell up. After you give birth, your body doesn't return back to normal."


All of that is true, but the Bible says in Psalm 127:3, "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward." And really, that is all that matters.


Conception, pregnancy, and birth are all miracles. Think about each detail that must occur at precisely the right moment for each to happen, what each part of the process entails. Only God can perform those miracles.


I can't explain why some people can never have children, why some can have only 1, or why some can have 18. I don't know why some people get pregnant the first try and others take years. I don't know why children are born to unwed teenage mothers or to women who are already grandmothers. I don't know why some children are born healthy while others have birth defects. I don't understand why some women miscarry and why some have drama free pregnancies. Those things are not for us to question. God has a plan in every circumstance. We shouldn't question Him, but trust Him.


I have a student this year that is legally blind because her mom contracted toxoplasmosis during pregnancy after picking up a stray cat in the yard. During parent teacher conferences recently, the mom told me what her daughter said about her blindness, "Mom, I know God can heal me and make me see. But its ok that He doesn't, because He has a plan for me."


WOW!


As an adult, sometimes it is hard to have that much trust and faith in the Lord. Oh, the faith of a child.


Listen to what God's Word says about the faith of a child:

He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.


Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." Matthew 18:2-6


Not only are we blessed with children and teach them, but we should learn from them as well. So many times, as a mom and teacher, I take a step back and say, "Whoa, that kid's got it. Why am I missing it?"


So, yes, I am one of those women who love being pregnant. I love the anxiousness and nervousness that goes along with buying a pregnancy test and waiting for the result. I love hearing a baby's heartbeat at the doctor's office. I love seeing a baby on an monitor during an ultrasound. I love watching my body change because of a growing, thriving baby. I love feeling the kicks, jabs, and hiccups from a baby inside of me. I love watching a child as they experience this miracle with me. I love holding a baby for the first time after birth. I love the stages a child goes through as he grows and develops, discovering his world. I love that God chose to bless the world with children.


I thank God each day for my own children, for the joy and wonder they bring into my life. I pray that I can be the mom that they need me to be. I pray for patience and wisdom to deal with the difficult issues that arise with being a mom. I pray that my children know that I love them even if I am the "meanest mom in the world" because I want them to be respectful, well mannered children who try their best and don't give up (Yes, that homework will be completed before you play and No I will not "just tell" you the answers).



Whatever your circumstances are in your journey of being a mom, I pray that you will find acceptance of where you are and not question why you are there. I pray that you would trust God and His plan for your life and that of your children. I pray that you can go boldly before Our Father and lay down your mommy burdens and desires.



Hug your children and the children of others. Love them. Comfort them. Show them the love of God.

Counting My Blessings

I often reflect on the many gifts that God has blessed me with. Its easy to get caught up in life: work, homework, church, practice, housework, but it is so nice to take a step back and look at what really counts.



I am blessed with a loving husband who works hard to care for his family. Jeffrey is involved in everything we do as a family. He takes time for me and the boys and there is never doubt of his love and devotion toward us.



I am blessed with two precious, curious, rambunctious sons. Although Colin and Carson are completely different, they steal my heart in everything they do. Their hugs, kisses, and laughter fill me with joy. What a blessing that they are healthy, growing, and happy!



I am blessed to be expecting this new baby. It doesn't matter if its a girl or a boy. A lot of people ask, "Were you trying for that girl?" We just want a healthy baby to love and share life with.



I am blessed to have a job where I can make a difference. I'm able to spend my days with children who want to please and learn. I can make a positive impact in their lives. I'm able to work with people who are sincere and care about you. I have a job where I am able to be a mom to my own kids and don't have to worry about who will take care for them during school breaks.



I'm blessed with family who I can depend on to care for me and my household, whether it is a baby sitter for a day of golf, picking up the house for me, watching the kids play sports, bringing over fried green tomatoes, or leaving the kids a pile of pumpkins on the door step.



I am blessed to be able to "play" soccer with seven 3 year olds three times a week, sharing high fives and hugs. When else can your inner child come out?



I'm blessed to be part of a church who watches out for its members. I'm surrounded by people who genuinely care about you and who are dedicated to others and serving the Lord even when they are in pain.



I am blessed to be part of God's family, to have a Father who loves me and desires to have me as His. I am able to know, without a shadow of doubt, where I will spend eternity.



Have you counted your blessings today?