Today, I am thankful for the three men in my life and the joy that they bring. And by joy, I mean hilarious, unexpected outbursts of laughter, and sometimes, just a plain 'ole smile!
Friday, November 20, 2009
A Lesson in Thankfulness
At the beginning of November, someone on Facebook challenged others to use their status update to give thanks for blessings in their lives, daily. As I began each day, I would contemplate and think of all of the blessings in my life that I am thankful for. My family, my health, my freedom... the list goes on and on. But what this challenge helped me to remember, was that, although I have these blessings, others sometimes don't. These reflections also helped me to put into perspective how often I take all that I've been given so for granted.
I was single for so long and prayed for a family of my own. So now, on the days when I have mountains of laundry, piles of dirt, dirty dishes, and NO ENERGY.. I remind myself that I waited for Dan, Christopher, and Cy, I prayed for them to come into my life. So now, I wouldn't trade them for a moment of peace or a perfect house. This has also reminded me to pray and believe for my friends, who are still patiently waiting and praying for God to bring them a Godly husband and sweet babies!
My family is also healthy... how often do we forget to be thankful for that blessing?! Sometimes it's a headline or overheard conversation about a sick child or someone's relative... I am so grateful for the health that we have been blessed with. This blessing reminded me that there are families that will celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years' in a hospital ... the gift they'll be hoping and praying for is that their loved one will make it just a little longer.
What I hope to accomplish during the upcoming holidays, is that we become a blessing to others who might not have a family, health, or much to be thankful for. Dan and I are planning on taking the boys to our local rescue mission. We've challenged the boys to pick out a toy of their own that they will donate to the missions. We're also going to plan a day to serve at a Ronald McDonald house. My prayer is that these small act of kindness will open our eyes to all that we've been blessed with and open our hearts to become an even bigger blessing to others. I have a feeling that at the end of those moments of serving, God will have planted even more of a desire to become a servant to all.
Happy Thanksgiving... take time to remember your blessings and challenge yourself and your family to find an area of need. Someone out there is praying that you will be obedient!
I was single for so long and prayed for a family of my own. So now, on the days when I have mountains of laundry, piles of dirt, dirty dishes, and NO ENERGY.. I remind myself that I waited for Dan, Christopher, and Cy, I prayed for them to come into my life. So now, I wouldn't trade them for a moment of peace or a perfect house. This has also reminded me to pray and believe for my friends, who are still patiently waiting and praying for God to bring them a Godly husband and sweet babies!
My family is also healthy... how often do we forget to be thankful for that blessing?! Sometimes it's a headline or overheard conversation about a sick child or someone's relative... I am so grateful for the health that we have been blessed with. This blessing reminded me that there are families that will celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years' in a hospital ... the gift they'll be hoping and praying for is that their loved one will make it just a little longer.
What I hope to accomplish during the upcoming holidays, is that we become a blessing to others who might not have a family, health, or much to be thankful for. Dan and I are planning on taking the boys to our local rescue mission. We've challenged the boys to pick out a toy of their own that they will donate to the missions. We're also going to plan a day to serve at a Ronald McDonald house. My prayer is that these small act of kindness will open our eyes to all that we've been blessed with and open our hearts to become an even bigger blessing to others. I have a feeling that at the end of those moments of serving, God will have planted even more of a desire to become a servant to all.
Happy Thanksgiving... take time to remember your blessings and challenge yourself and your family to find an area of need. Someone out there is praying that you will be obedient!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Time Changes Things
Most people who know my Dad, know that he loves all things football. He loves the little guys just starting out, the Jr. High teams, High School football (especially in Texas), also, the Texas Tech Red Raiders, but most of all.. He LOVES the Dallas Cowboys.
This weekend, there were two important games. Texas Tech played Texas and the Cowboys played the Giants. While I was growing up, I clearly remember that from around September until the Super Bowl, our television at home would be tuned to any games being aired. This of course was not my favorite time of the year. You see, I was a girly girl and football was of no interest to me. My poor dad, I was his only child and he really wanted me to like it. He even asked me to try out for the boys team a couple of times. He thought I could do some damage on the field! I was not interested and rarely sat down to watch a game with him. What a silly girl I was!
For the last year, I've been a married woman, living far away from my dad. Although I love being married and have a wonderful life here, living far from my family has not been an easy adjustment. This last weekend, I knew that these games were coming up and I also knew that my Dad would be watching. So for the first time in my life, I sat and watched most of the games, just to feel a little closer to my Dad.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled
Most of the people who read my posts are close family and friends. I guess that's why I feel safe talking about my good days and also the bad ones. I've been struggling with my emotions this week. It began after a conversation and then before I knew it, it was a snowball effect and I was so overtaken that I didn't know how to recover.
One thing that I've realized is that once you open the door to let your emotions control you, it's a battle to close it again. This morning, staring at the computer screen, a verse came to mind, John 12:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." I was reminded that when I take my weaknesses, fears, or struggles to God, He always has a remedy. My heart was instantly soothed and the source of this struggle seemed so small. We have been given the Word of God, not just for correction, but also for comfort. In the still of the morning, He was waiting for me. The God who made the heavens and the earth wanted to remind ME that HE had given me His peace and all I have to do is remember that what Jesus did on the cross for me.
What a powerful revelation to me ... I hope that if you read this, you're reminded of God's love for you today and that His answer for your situation is always one verse away.
One thing that I've realized is that once you open the door to let your emotions control you, it's a battle to close it again. This morning, staring at the computer screen, a verse came to mind, John 12:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." I was reminded that when I take my weaknesses, fears, or struggles to God, He always has a remedy. My heart was instantly soothed and the source of this struggle seemed so small. We have been given the Word of God, not just for correction, but also for comfort. In the still of the morning, He was waiting for me. The God who made the heavens and the earth wanted to remind ME that HE had given me His peace and all I have to do is remember that what Jesus did on the cross for me.
What a powerful revelation to me ... I hope that if you read this, you're reminded of God's love for you today and that His answer for your situation is always one verse away.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Cy's Salvation
Yesterday marked a memorable day in our family's history. Last night, Dan and Cy were talking quietly in the boys' room. I wondered what they were doing because those two together are never "quiet" ... I didn't get too curious because Christopher and I were engrossed in something on the computer. A few minutes later, Dan called me and I went into the boys' room where he and Cy were sitting on the floor. Dan said, "We just wanted to tell you that Cy just asked Jesus to come into his heart!" Whoo Hooo!! This has been an answer to prayer. Many of you know that our boys are in an non-Christian household when they are not with us and we are always believing that God protects them from things that they should not see or hear. Christopher asked Jesus to come into his heart four years ago and his spiritual compass is always on! We've been believing that Cy's heart would be open and hungry for the things of God. This was a true answer to prayer... God is so good and continues to show us His faithfulness!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
It's the Simple Things
We spent this past weekend visiting our friends that live in Denver. We had so much fun! On Saturday, we took a walk to the park and let the kids play in the fountain. Who knew they'd love it so much?
It was just a reminder to me.. Quality time with family doesn't have to be about spending money. The important thing is being together and enjoying the time that we never get back.
It was just a reminder to me.. Quality time with family doesn't have to be about spending money. The important thing is being together and enjoying the time that we never get back.
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