Can You REALLY Be Thankful and Find Joy In All Circumstances

My cousin found out this week that she has breast cancer.  No woman wants to hear that diagnosis.  I have been amazed at the number of people posting scripture to her Facebook page.  I can tell from her comments that she is finding comfort in God's Word.

Words for finding comfort and strength are filling her heart and mind.  They are giving her courage during this difficult time.  This afternoon, I found this gem on Pinterest to share with her.....

What was I thinking, right???

Be joyful????

Give thanks?????

Seriously????

Yes.

Be joyful.
Give thanks.

Seriously.

First, let me be clear.

I have never been diagnosed with cancer. There was a time I was fearful due to some changes in my breasts.  I saw my doctor, had an ultrasound, and got the all clear.  So, no, I don't know what it is like to get that diagnosis.

I do know heartbreak in other ways.

I know what it's like to watch your husband walk away from you at the airport not knowing if he will make it back home from Afghanistan. I know what it's like to be Skyping with your husband while he is deployed and there be an attack. I know the uncertainties and hardships that deployment can bring.

In those instances, I prayed.  I found joy knowing that God would hear my pleas (that He wants me to let my requests be known).  I found joy knowing that my children grew in their prayer lives and relationship with Christ.  I found joy knowing that my husband was serving God and country. He was doing something he felt strongly about.

And I gave thanks.  I gave thanks for the amount of communication we had: Skype, texting, email, phone call, snail mail.  We had it all, and I can't imagine the days when women couldn't communicate with their deployed Soldiers like that.  I gave thanks that each time there was an attack my husband was safe.  I gave thanks that he was able to minister to the Soldiers and provide them with Christian guidance.

I gave thanks for answered prayers.

I know what it's like to find evidence in the toilet, the first clue that something was wrong with your pregnancy.  I know what it's like to tearfully find your boss to tell them what you think is happening to get permission to leave work to go to the doctor. I know what its like to cry all the way to the doctor not knowing what exactly is happening.  I know what it's like to see your baby on the ultrasound monitor to find that, yes, it's true, your baby stopped growing.  I know what it's like to have a natural miscarriage and lay weak on the bathroom floor knowing you will never be the same. I know what its like 2 years later to cry, remembering that day, and yearning for that baby.

In all of this, I prayed.

And I found joy.

I found joy in the fact that there is hope in Christ.  That I felt His presence, and I may meet my baby one day in Heaven.  He brought me comfort in the banana popsicles that my husband urged me to eat while I was weak, causing me to remember the love of my grandfather.  He brought me comfort as I laughed about laying on the bathroom floor on my son's toddler bed. He reminded me in so many ways that He was right there with me, that I wasn't going through that miscarriage alone. I found joy in the scripture cards my friend Leslie sent to me.

And I found joy in the things I was thankful for:

I had an amazing medical staff that was honest, yet compassionate and went beyond the call of duty for us. 

My coworkers held my hand (literally) and cried with me.  The love they have for me is amazing.  

My husband and mom never left my side. They cleaned me up, held my hand, and took such good care of me. 

My in laws took care of my children because I was too weak to be there for them physically and emotionally.

I was thankful for those three healthy children, those boys who are my sunshine.

I was thankful for the phone calls and texts I received from those checking on me.

I was thankful for the meals provided for us.

So, I say YES, we can really be thankful and find joy in ALL circumstances. For me, being thankful and finding joy are choices I can make. And let me be clear on this: Happiness and joy are NOT the same thing.  When my kids behave, I am happy. When the bills are paid, I am happy.  When I have a terrible day, I find joy in the comment of the kid that says, "You are an A+ teacher," as he reads my coffee cup.  I find joy in the fact that a dreaded faculty meeting is cut short.

I make the choice to be thankful.

I make the choice to find joy.

What about you?  What choice are you making?

Thankful Thursday

Refreshed.....

That's how I am feeling this morning. 

For that I am thankful.

I am also thankful that for the moment, all of my boys are feeling well. Temps are under 100. Praying they will stay that way.

I am thankful for a good night's sleep for all of us. We needed that in so many ways.

I am thankful for being about to pour my heart out to God, know that He will listen, no matter how insignificant my "problems" may seem compared to those of others.

I am thankful for being on Christmas break with my three sons.

I am thankful for the child who placed his hand on my face this morning and woke me up by saying, "I love you, Mama."  This mama needed that!

I am thankful for the toothless grin of my 6 year old.

I am thankful for the 2 year old that climbs on my back and sticks his face around to mine and says, "Mama, let go of me," when in fact he is the one doing the holding on!

I am thankful for the 10 year old sleeping in this morning. 

I am thankful for the heart to hearts I have with my oldest when he is scared and confused, that God gives me the words to comfort and assure him.

I am thankful for the texts and emails I receive throughout the day and the anticipation to be able to Skype.

I am thankful for the coffee brewing on this chilly, windy, rainy morning and the many new coffee cups I have to choose from (gifts from my students - they know me too well).

I am thankful for the new friend I am making that I must email back today, and for our husbands who sacrifice so much for a God and country they love.

I am thankful for the emails I must respond to today of those who have been checking on me.

I am thankful for flashbacks to straight line things, my turn, and shut down Paw Paw.

I am thankful for the Savior who redeems me, forgives me, and makes me whole.  I love you, dear Jesus, and I am nothing without you.

What are you thankful for, my friend?

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. 

Thankful

So much to be thankful for....

I am thankful that God has placed His protective hand over me and my boys this week.  There have been lots of break ins in and around our neigborhood this week.

I am thankful that Carter passed his hearing test on Tuesday.  We do not have to go back unless we are concerned something could be wrong.

I am thankful that God kept Colin and his teammates safe tonight in their make up game.  I'm thankful they had fun and did their best.  Just so you know the Cubbies lost, but the kids were still awesome!  We are blessed to have a team full of fun kids and helpful parents.

I am thankful that my wonderful husband is on his way home as I type.  I can't wait to see him!

Thank you,  Lord for blessing me in so many ways!

Thankful and Forgiven: Post 101 and Snow Day #8

Here it is, another snow day. Can I say that I am more thankful for today's snow day than yesterdays????

Reason 1: Carson decided to go to sleep last night at Sol Azteca. Slept the "entire" night, except to get up to go to the potty. Needless to say that because he conked out at 5:30, he was ready to go at 4AM! Today would have been our Valentine's Party at school. I don't think I would have been able to function. Even though I had lots planned to do (a test we missed yesterday and getting Caroline's class caught up with mine in science), I believe it would have turned into a movie day, probably Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Yeah, I could connect that to language arts (fiction, character, plot, setting, problem, solution, theme) and science (weather).

Reason 2: My appointment went well yesterday. Love hearing that strong heartbeat and knowing that my baby is growing well. I go back in two weeks and will be going once per week then on. The big day is getting closer and closer. I'm excited to be able to see and hold this sweet baby.

Reason 3: I am blessed to have a such a precious family. I have the most wonderful, caring husband and wonderful, loving children in the world. These guys melt my heart, make me laugh, and fill me with joy.

Reason 4: I am forgiven. Colossians 3:13 says,

Bearing with one another, and forgiving
one another, if anyone has a complaint
against another; even as Christ forgave
you, so you also must do.

You know, when I stop to think about the things that I have done to God and that He has forgiven me, I realize what a wonderful gift that is. Why then should I not forgive those who have hurt me? Lots of things have happened in my life that I could very easily show unforgiveness or bitterness. But what kind of life is that? Holding a grudge does nothing but kill your spirit.

I know people who are sure to bring up someone's wrongs and say, "I will NEVER forgive him." These people are supposed to be Christians. None of us are perfect, so why should we expect others to be?

I thank God each day for the forgiveness He has shown me. I pray that I will always be willing to show forgiveness to others.

Consider this....
What if your child did something that upset you and he asked through his tears, "Mama do you forgive me?" and you replied, "No." What would that do to your child? As parents, we want our children to know that they are loved and there is nothing they could do to change that. As an adult, I want those I know to know that I love them and there is nothing they could do to change that. So, the next time you are wronged, offer forgiveness. You and those you forgive will be sure to receive a blessing.