Yesterday, a few things happened that I was thankful for:
1. I heard a good word at church. As we are studying stillness during this frantic season, I was reminded where my mind should be while I seek out some stillness/peace in the busyness. We looked at this passage in Isaiah 26:3-4:
"You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal."
Remembering not to focus on external circumstances and allowing them to swallow me up, but instead keeping a steadfast mind on the Lord. Peace comes from a mind stayed on Him. A mind that is stayed on Him trusts in Him. If I am trusting in Him I will find peace because I no longer have to trust in myself to make things happen, to get things done, to make things work out. I can trust instead in Him who has proven to be faithful, righteous, just, and who loves me and who has a good plan for me.
Ahhhh. That does make my heart (and my mind) still.
2. On a little bit more of the not-so-deep side, I got all my Christmas decorating done and the house clean. Yes, thankful indeed!
3. Lastly yesterday, began Advent season, and this year I found a great book that takes you day by day, all the way through until Christmas Eve, with daily devotionals, scripture, and activities for the whole family. I was a little leery before we got started because some of the devotionals seemed like they might be a little too old for the kids, but thankfully they jumped right in. They were interested and engaged and had topic appropriate comments. This week we talk about hope, and right now I am hopeful that this new family tradition will keep our minds stayed on Him all season through (see number 1). I am thankful for this new family tradition.
Today, it is blustery, cold, a little snowy, and a whole lot of yuck. You know, for people like me who feel like things are a little "off" when temps drop below 75 degrees. So today, I am thankful for my warm cozy Jammie pants, and a full day where I can sit in them and enjoy the coziness they bring. After heading out for a quick workout and an errand, I was so happy to see that the rest of the day I was free to stay inside, nice and toasty, and comfortable in my Jammie pants.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
This Time It Was On Purpose
Yup, I realize it's been a few days. I did that on purpose, though. I thought it was more important spend these last few days with the fam than it was for me to blog.
Turns out, I was right.
I have really enjoyed the last few days with everyone, despite the holiday stress.
Thursday was a wonderful Thanksgiving. I couldn't really complain about too much. First, I am thankful that I didn't have to host this year. Second, since The Hubs went and played flag football in the annual Turkey Bowl our church has, I got to do whatever I wanted to that morning.
Well, you know, with two kids in toe.
So, I popped in a movie and hopped on the treadmill for some pre-damage control. Which leads me to my next stop: Third, I am thankful for my Mom's caramel corn. It's the best stuff ever. I am also thankful for taco dip and spinach dip. I also love me a good french onion dip. Really, just give me a dip. Fourth, I am thankful that I completely avoided stuffing myself the entire day. I really hate that feeling of eating too much, and so I was trying to be very conscious of how full I was getting through out the day, and making sure I didn't over do it. I am desperately trying to live in the Land of Moderation these days. It's an interesting and eye opening place to visit, but I haven't quite settled in yet. And lastly, of course, I was very thankful to be surrounded by my family and extended family all day long.
Yesterday, I was very thankful that I decided to forgo Black Friday shopping. It just didn't seem necessary this year. Maybe it was the Land of Moderation beckoning me, or just that I didn't seem to care too much about getting out in the crowds. Whatever it was, sleeping in and going out for breakfast instead turned out to be quite wonderful. I did do a little shopping after breakfast, but nothing too crazy. I came home after a couple of hours and The Hubs had gotten out all of our Christmas decorations. That's where I lived for the rest of the day. Chest deep in Christmas decor. Our house looks like a bomb went off. Hopefully, tomorrow that will all change as I finish and clean. I thought about the Land of Moderation a few times during this whole decorating extravaganza, but the kids' excitement has kept me from packing all away.
Which leads me to today. Today, I finally got to the Family Tree (we have two trees, one that is decorated with coordinating decor, and our Family Tree). The Family Christmas Tree has ornaments either for or made by each child for each Christmas they have celebrated. It also has ornaments on it for The Hubs and I. We bought the tree the first Christmas we were married, and it holds a lot of family memories of Christmases past. It is so fun to decorate as we go through all the ornaments and remember when we got them and why we chose that ornament that year.
As we were getting ready to get started, The Hubs was fluffing the bow that goes on the top (Oh, he is SO excited I just shared that he is the bow-fluffer!), and the bow fell apart. Completely. We tried to fix it, but as I was working on it, it came to my mind that the poor bow as been stored and used for TEN years now. We decided to let the bow go to where ever bows go to when they die, and find a new tree topper.
Well, as you can imagine, this impromptu trip to buy a new topper put a little stress into my day. I was not planning on doing this, and I really wasn't sure what kind of topper I wanted. The whole fam came with so we could all choose which topper we wanted, but ultimately the final decision was going to be made by me. I'm embarrassed to share this, but I was stressed. I wanted the tree to look so special. It's our family tree! Then I got a little whisper in my ear, "This is supposed to be fun! The kids don't care what kind of topper the tree has or what ribbon goes around it, they just want to spend time going through ornaments and decorating." It was just one of those moments where you remember what you are supposed to be focusing on, and making everything look perfect, wasn't it. Today, I am thankful for remembering to be in the moment, and have fun.
Oh, and the tree? I think it looks pretty darn perfect.
Turns out, I was right.
I have really enjoyed the last few days with everyone, despite the holiday stress.
Thursday was a wonderful Thanksgiving. I couldn't really complain about too much. First, I am thankful that I didn't have to host this year. Second, since The Hubs went and played flag football in the annual Turkey Bowl our church has, I got to do whatever I wanted to that morning.
Well, you know, with two kids in toe.
So, I popped in a movie and hopped on the treadmill for some pre-damage control. Which leads me to my next stop: Third, I am thankful for my Mom's caramel corn. It's the best stuff ever. I am also thankful for taco dip and spinach dip. I also love me a good french onion dip. Really, just give me a dip. Fourth, I am thankful that I completely avoided stuffing myself the entire day. I really hate that feeling of eating too much, and so I was trying to be very conscious of how full I was getting through out the day, and making sure I didn't over do it. I am desperately trying to live in the Land of Moderation these days. It's an interesting and eye opening place to visit, but I haven't quite settled in yet. And lastly, of course, I was very thankful to be surrounded by my family and extended family all day long.
Yesterday, I was very thankful that I decided to forgo Black Friday shopping. It just didn't seem necessary this year. Maybe it was the Land of Moderation beckoning me, or just that I didn't seem to care too much about getting out in the crowds. Whatever it was, sleeping in and going out for breakfast instead turned out to be quite wonderful. I did do a little shopping after breakfast, but nothing too crazy. I came home after a couple of hours and The Hubs had gotten out all of our Christmas decorations. That's where I lived for the rest of the day. Chest deep in Christmas decor. Our house looks like a bomb went off. Hopefully, tomorrow that will all change as I finish and clean. I thought about the Land of Moderation a few times during this whole decorating extravaganza, but the kids' excitement has kept me from packing all away.
Which leads me to today. Today, I finally got to the Family Tree (we have two trees, one that is decorated with coordinating decor, and our Family Tree). The Family Christmas Tree has ornaments either for or made by each child for each Christmas they have celebrated. It also has ornaments on it for The Hubs and I. We bought the tree the first Christmas we were married, and it holds a lot of family memories of Christmases past. It is so fun to decorate as we go through all the ornaments and remember when we got them and why we chose that ornament that year.
As we were getting ready to get started, The Hubs was fluffing the bow that goes on the top (Oh, he is SO excited I just shared that he is the bow-fluffer!), and the bow fell apart. Completely. We tried to fix it, but as I was working on it, it came to my mind that the poor bow as been stored and used for TEN years now. We decided to let the bow go to where ever bows go to when they die, and find a new tree topper.
Well, as you can imagine, this impromptu trip to buy a new topper put a little stress into my day. I was not planning on doing this, and I really wasn't sure what kind of topper I wanted. The whole fam came with so we could all choose which topper we wanted, but ultimately the final decision was going to be made by me. I'm embarrassed to share this, but I was stressed. I wanted the tree to look so special. It's our family tree! Then I got a little whisper in my ear, "This is supposed to be fun! The kids don't care what kind of topper the tree has or what ribbon goes around it, they just want to spend time going through ornaments and decorating." It was just one of those moments where you remember what you are supposed to be focusing on, and making everything look perfect, wasn't it. Today, I am thankful for remembering to be in the moment, and have fun.
Oh, and the tree? I think it looks pretty darn perfect.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Compassion
Today, I am thankful for Compassion International. Compassion is an organization that meets not only the physical needs of children living in poverty, but also their spiritual needs. Recently, our family decided to sponsor a child in Uganda through Compassion. Both kids are very excited about it, but I wasn't too sure how much they really understand about what these kids living in poverty were really facing.
Let's be honest, I'm not sure I really understand what it looks like to live a life in poverty, and with no hope.
It just so happens that Compassion International has offices here in our state. At their offices they give tours for both adults and children. On the tour for the children the kids get to go into a life size replica of a home in a developing country, see toys that are made by the kids in these countries, and they get to see what a Compassion center in these countries looks like. Today, we also got to make Christmas cards for those kids who are not yet sponsored. It was a really wonderful tour and very hands on for the kids.
Today, I am thankful for not just Compassion International and all the work they do in order to care for those who are desperate for care and hope, but I am also thankful that my kids could have such an eye opening experience, and I am thankful that we are able to be apart of what Compassion does and are able to share some of what we have been blessed with with some one else half way around the world. I just hope one day that our family can meet her face to face.
Here are some pics from the day:
First, we have both of the kids sitting on Jesus' lap in the lobby of the center:
Here the kids are taking their first look of a typical home in a third world country:
Then they were able to go inside and feel how small it is in there and take a look around at what was there, and what was not there:
And here they are in the Compassion center replica making Christmas cards for kids that are without sponsors:
Thank you, Lord for allowing us the opportunity to be used by you, and for the people that work so hard to make You known to all the nations.
Let's be honest, I'm not sure I really understand what it looks like to live a life in poverty, and with no hope.
It just so happens that Compassion International has offices here in our state. At their offices they give tours for both adults and children. On the tour for the children the kids get to go into a life size replica of a home in a developing country, see toys that are made by the kids in these countries, and they get to see what a Compassion center in these countries looks like. Today, we also got to make Christmas cards for those kids who are not yet sponsored. It was a really wonderful tour and very hands on for the kids.
Today, I am thankful for not just Compassion International and all the work they do in order to care for those who are desperate for care and hope, but I am also thankful that my kids could have such an eye opening experience, and I am thankful that we are able to be apart of what Compassion does and are able to share some of what we have been blessed with with some one else half way around the world. I just hope one day that our family can meet her face to face.
Here are some pics from the day:
First, we have both of the kids sitting on Jesus' lap in the lobby of the center:
Here the kids are taking their first look of a typical home in a third world country:
Then they were able to go inside and feel how small it is in there and take a look around at what was there, and what was not there:
And here they are in the Compassion center replica making Christmas cards for kids that are without sponsors:
Thank you, Lord for allowing us the opportunity to be used by you, and for the people that work so hard to make You known to all the nations.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
GAHHH!
YIKES!
So a couple of days have passed. I was aware of not getting on here the entire time, but here's the deal: We've had some sickies running around, some school projects to complete, and sometimes, I'll just be honest, I just want to go to bed instead of blog.
There. I said it.
So, it's time to be thankful, quickly, because my bed is calling.
Again.
Sunday we took the entire day off. I mean it. I never left my pajamas the entire day. I don't even remember the last time this has happened. It felt so good, I can hardly wait for a repeat. I missed going to church, but the rest was so wonderful. So on Sunday I was thankful for my PJ's, rest, and the entire day to collect myself.
Monday came and initially I was bummed to be starting another week, but then I remembered. It's a short week! This gave me enough pep in my step to get through the first part of the day. Also, The Girl turned in her huge project thatwe she had been working on so hard. I was so thankful to watch that project walk right on out of my house on Monday morning! It was a weight off of every one's shoulders! I do have pictures of the project, but don't have time to upload now, so I'll be back with those maybe tomorrow?
**********
YEA! I'm back! Here's the pics:
The Girl proudly displaying her diorama. She's not too sure about posing for the pic which explains the half smile:
A close up view:
Can you see what is happening? It's a prairie fire sparked by a lightening storm. All the people are working on putting out the fire with their empty flour bags. I think it looks GREAT.
I'm also the mom.
***********
During the last part of the day, I finished a project that I had started in my mind the day before. Don't you do that? On Sunday I thought it would be such a good idea to clear out my closet, but somehow I was totally sidetracked by a Mantracker marathon. However, in my mind, I had already committed. So Monday afternoon I needed to bring the project to completion.
It felt as good as turning in The Girl's project!
As I bagged up THREE bags of clothing, I felt very thankful for the provision that I have been given in this past year. Provision that I felt like it was time to pass on to someone else.
So to sum up Monday: I am thankful for a short week, a finished project, and the ability to give to others.
Today the stuffy nose and congestion really hit me. I didn't feel completely miserable, but I didn't feel like myself either. I didn't want to work out at all, which is very unlike me. I actually mentally beat myself up over the fact that I felt like being lazy today since I wasn't 100%. After spending sometime in the Word and in prayer, I was able to break free from the guilt. The treadmill will still be there tomorrow. Hopefully, this sinus junk won't.
Thank you, Lord, for opening my eyes and letting me see a little more clearly.
So a couple of days have passed. I was aware of not getting on here the entire time, but here's the deal: We've had some sickies running around, some school projects to complete, and sometimes, I'll just be honest, I just want to go to bed instead of blog.
There. I said it.
So, it's time to be thankful, quickly, because my bed is calling.
Again.
Sunday we took the entire day off. I mean it. I never left my pajamas the entire day. I don't even remember the last time this has happened. It felt so good, I can hardly wait for a repeat. I missed going to church, but the rest was so wonderful. So on Sunday I was thankful for my PJ's, rest, and the entire day to collect myself.
Monday came and initially I was bummed to be starting another week, but then I remembered. It's a short week! This gave me enough pep in my step to get through the first part of the day. Also, The Girl turned in her huge project that
**********
YEA! I'm back! Here's the pics:
The Girl proudly displaying her diorama. She's not too sure about posing for the pic which explains the half smile:
A close up view:
Can you see what is happening? It's a prairie fire sparked by a lightening storm. All the people are working on putting out the fire with their empty flour bags. I think it looks GREAT.
I'm also the mom.
***********
During the last part of the day, I finished a project that I had started in my mind the day before. Don't you do that? On Sunday I thought it would be such a good idea to clear out my closet, but somehow I was totally sidetracked by a Mantracker marathon. However, in my mind, I had already committed. So Monday afternoon I needed to bring the project to completion.
It felt as good as turning in The Girl's project!
As I bagged up THREE bags of clothing, I felt very thankful for the provision that I have been given in this past year. Provision that I felt like it was time to pass on to someone else.
So to sum up Monday: I am thankful for a short week, a finished project, and the ability to give to others.
Today the stuffy nose and congestion really hit me. I didn't feel completely miserable, but I didn't feel like myself either. I didn't want to work out at all, which is very unlike me. I actually mentally beat myself up over the fact that I felt like being lazy today since I wasn't 100%. After spending sometime in the Word and in prayer, I was able to break free from the guilt. The treadmill will still be there tomorrow. Hopefully, this sinus junk won't.
Thank you, Lord, for opening my eyes and letting me see a little more clearly.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Get 'Er Done
I hate being a slave to my "to do" list. Yet, week in and week out, you can find me checking stuff off. Why? Because it works. I will run around in circles without my list. I will procrastinate without my list. I will forget things without my list. However, it does feel so good to scratch things off that list, and at the end of the week, if everything is accomplished, I feel great.
It's ridiculous really.
Today, I am thankful that I was able to really get a lot of stuff accomplished...without a list. There are just some days where you will find me focused, determined, and ready to get things done. Today was one of those days, and I am so thankful for it! I am thankful for the weight of getting some lingering stuff off of my plate, and I am thankful for the provision of time to do so.
One of those things that has been on my plate for a while: Project Two Times Twelve!
There wasn't anything in particular that I was trying to learn or stretch myself in this month. I was simply out enjoying what ended up being our last bit of warm weather this year. Literally, the day after these pictures were taken, it was like the switch was switched from our Indian Summer to late fall. It's been cold ever since. Every time I have looked back on these pictures, since I took them at the beginning of the month, I remember how warm it was that day, and how beautiful our Fall has been this year. That is all I need.
The Cousins were there with us too. They have really become such great friends in the last year or so.
I guess now might be a good time to mention that the kids posed themselves in all of the pictures, no help from me!
Except this one. The Little Man needed help posing himself against the fence. He preferred a much different look...I'm just glad my choice won out!
Today I am thankful for catching up!
It's ridiculous really.
Today, I am thankful that I was able to really get a lot of stuff accomplished...without a list. There are just some days where you will find me focused, determined, and ready to get things done. Today was one of those days, and I am so thankful for it! I am thankful for the weight of getting some lingering stuff off of my plate, and I am thankful for the provision of time to do so.
One of those things that has been on my plate for a while: Project Two Times Twelve!
There wasn't anything in particular that I was trying to learn or stretch myself in this month. I was simply out enjoying what ended up being our last bit of warm weather this year. Literally, the day after these pictures were taken, it was like the switch was switched from our Indian Summer to late fall. It's been cold ever since. Every time I have looked back on these pictures, since I took them at the beginning of the month, I remember how warm it was that day, and how beautiful our Fall has been this year. That is all I need.
The Cousins were there with us too. They have really become such great friends in the last year or so.
I guess now might be a good time to mention that the kids posed themselves in all of the pictures, no help from me!
Except this one. The Little Man needed help posing himself against the fence. He preferred a much different look...I'm just glad my choice won out!
Today I am thankful for catching up!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Friday, Running, and a Horrible Movie
There are a few things I am thankful for today. Let me count the ways:
1. Hello, Friday! I am so thankful for you! For whatever reason the last two weeks have been a little extra exhausting. I am so thankful for the week to come to a close and have the entire weekend to spend with my family. Having the chance to sleep a bit longer on Saturday mornings beckons me all week long, and finally, I've arrived!
2. I am thankful for a chance to go for a long run with my Hubby today. I am thankful that we share this common interest, and sometimes he will agree to take some time off in the middle of his work day to join me for a run. Today, he even sacrificially gave up his normal pace so that he could run beside me all six miles. It's so nice to have a running buddy, and it's even better that it's my husband.
3. I was very thankful for the movie we rented tonight to come to an end. We somehow thought that the recent Disney version of A Christmas Carol might be a good choice for a movie tonight. (Oh, that trailer seems so stinkin' innocent, doesn't it!)
WRONG!
If you have small kids don't be misled that this movie is made for kids just because it's a Disney flick. It was pretty horrible and terrifying the entire way through. There were times I turned away. Plus, the language they used was so way over the top of any child's understanding (well at least the 8 and under crowd). I know that there is a website out there that you can look movies and books up on before allowing your kids access to them. Now, if I could just remember to use it.
I'm sure tonight's sleepless night due to nightmares may just cement this fact into my mind.
1. Hello, Friday! I am so thankful for you! For whatever reason the last two weeks have been a little extra exhausting. I am so thankful for the week to come to a close and have the entire weekend to spend with my family. Having the chance to sleep a bit longer on Saturday mornings beckons me all week long, and finally, I've arrived!
2. I am thankful for a chance to go for a long run with my Hubby today. I am thankful that we share this common interest, and sometimes he will agree to take some time off in the middle of his work day to join me for a run. Today, he even sacrificially gave up his normal pace so that he could run beside me all six miles. It's so nice to have a running buddy, and it's even better that it's my husband.
3. I was very thankful for the movie we rented tonight to come to an end. We somehow thought that the recent Disney version of A Christmas Carol might be a good choice for a movie tonight. (Oh, that trailer seems so stinkin' innocent, doesn't it!)
WRONG!
If you have small kids don't be misled that this movie is made for kids just because it's a Disney flick. It was pretty horrible and terrifying the entire way through. There were times I turned away. Plus, the language they used was so way over the top of any child's understanding (well at least the 8 and under crowd). I know that there is a website out there that you can look movies and books up on before allowing your kids access to them. Now, if I could just remember to use it.
I'm sure tonight's sleepless night due to nightmares may just cement this fact into my mind.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Friendship
Today I am thankful for lunch with a good friend. It was so nice to sit down, catch up, listen to, and be heard. I so appreciate the quiet time in the house that allowed for me and this friend to really hear each other without all the background distractions.
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