Resting.

The time between Thanksgiving and the day after Christmas just might be the fastest time in the whole year. Part of me can't help but wonder, "What just happened?"
It's like our family sat down for Thanksgiving dinner, then...[insert buzzing or whirring sound here]...here we are, holidays over and it's the end of the year.

And to be honest, I've been on the brink of panic. Like, "Oh no! another new year and I'm just not ready!"
But then.
God.

This Christmas was really the first time I participated in an Advent Bible Study. And what a difference it made for me. All through Advent season, I felt the joy and peace of the Lord like never before. Whenever I began to panic about Christmas gifts, schedules, decorations, etc., I paused and remembered what it was really about. I said many times, "I'm resting in Jesus."

There is nothing quite as healing as pausing, taking a deep breathe 

and whispering the name, "Jesus".

While Christmas day has passed, Christmas isn't over. It lives in our hearts, weaved there with The Cross, The Empty Tomb and The Resurrection.

As think in terms of Jesus and what has been done for me and what is TRULY important, I slow down. I am filled with peace. And great joy becomes me. 

I am resting in Jesus.

This. This is what I what my children to get. To realize this Gift we have been given. That life hinges only on believing in and what we have done with this Gift we have been given. 

No doubt, we have a good life. We have been blessed. God has given our family good things and I am thankful. But what if that was gone? What if we woke up tomorrow and all the "stuff" was gone? The good job? Gone. The house? Gone. The car? Gone. The clothes? Gone. (you get the idea.) Would we be lost? Would we be empty? Jesus isn't going anywhere. He isn't in any of that. 

He is so much bigger. !!!

I pray my boys will grasp that. I pray you, friend, will grasp that. I pray that in the New Year my focus will remain on resting in Jesus. That when the chaos of this life threatens to envelop me, I will pause and breathe, "Jesus".

Two; Isaac.

"Two, but more like three."
 
A hurricane was named after him (well, sort of). He growls, a lot. He pushes, he yells, and he stomps whenever he walks, which by the way, he's been doing that since he was 9 months. Isaac is one tough little boy, er, toddler.
He talks. Lately, it's "Are doin' mommeeeee? ARE DOIN???" (what are you doing)
My favorite is, "Hi guys!" (whenever he walks in a room)
I love hearing his sweet voice.
Like big brothers, the kid's got an arm. He can throw, he can kick, he can climb and he run. Like lightening. I blink and he's running (usually while laughing).
He laughs, a lot. His smile and his laugh will light up a room. He can bring joy to the most somber group.
One day, an old man in the grocery store had to cross the entire store looking for the little one laughing. As he stomped up to us, I thought he was going to yell at us. He said in a gruff voice,  "That laugh brought such a smile to this old man's face, I just had to find the source!" And pointing a shaky finger at Isaac, said, "Don't ever stop laughing, little boy!"
And he walked away.

Fitting, since God inspired his name. Remember the story of Abraham and Sarah? (see Bible, Gen. 21)
In my own words with my own emphasis;
Well, they were this really, really old couple who hadn't been able to have kids and one day after this really long message full of incredible stuff, the Lord said to Abraham "you're going to have a son next year."
Abraham laughed.
Sarah giggled, "No way God! I am waaaaayyyy too old!"
But God.
They DID have a baby and Sarah laughed again, probably very heartily, "God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me..." ...

Like Sarah, I didn't think we could have any more children. Through years and prayers, God had blessed us with the twins.
But God!
We laughed when discovering I was pregnant again and pretty much haven't stopped since (you know, when we're not crying...ha!)
Isaac is just who God intended. He's funny, sweet, smart and very, very strong.
While all our babies are growing much too fast, I am excited for their future. I am excited to witness where God leads. I have always prayed that my children would bless God's Kingdom and so far, it's been a joy watching just that.

Happy birthday baby boy. I am so thankful for you!!

I slept in this morning.
Baby boy stayed overnight at grammy and gramps', so the twins and I lingered over breakfast chatting about upcoming events, decorating the tree together and they're upcoming superhero birthday party. Then they said, "we're going to go get dressed!" (insert bittersweet smile here; how did they get so big, so quick?...)
I'm working on my Advent Bible Study while listening to them playing together. I love the way they get along, like two best friends. I pray they always remain close. And I pray one day baby boy will fit into this circle (without all the yelling and hitting that a toddler adds). I love that when I sit back, reflect on all these good, little things, how quickly it adds up to one big, beautiful life. I'm so thankful for the peace and joy we have simply because of the love of Christ. I hope, more than anything, that's what we remain focused on through this beautiful season and throughout the new year.

Winter Wild Lights.

Thank-Full; Thankful to be. And praying for them.

I have three year old twin boys who will soon be four. I also have a one year old boy who turns five next month. Haha.

They're wild. They're loud. They're rough. They're usually pretty tough. They're fast. They're messy.

They're also clever, hilarious, talkative, social, story-telling, momma-loving, daddy-following, praying, singing, dancing, beautiful little people.

And basically, I think they're pretty darn awesome.

I am so thankful to be their momma.

I've only been a momma a short time and mostly I am completely overwhelmed and usually feel completely under-qualified.

But God is good. I believe God speaks to us mommas in such special ways. When we seek Him out, and sometimes, even when we don't. HE KNOWS. He knows how bogged down, how depleted, how desperate life with little ones can seem.

I am so thankful for the way God speaks. I am so thankful for Christ-following friends who speak up; who share. I am thankful that I have a heart that wants to please Christ, who wants to know Him, who wants to learn His ways.
Even when I choke up, Even when I get it wrong. I am covered in His grace and His mercy is new EVERY.SINGLE. DAY. (Thank goodness, because I need LOTS of that.)


If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:5-7

..........................
Praying over my kids everyday;
(As written in Praying Boldly for Our Kids, by Lysa TerKeurst, 2010)

*I pray they grow up to be some of the most godly people in their sphere of influence.
*I pray that they would be caught when they make wrong choices.
*I pray that God would save them from the wrong friends and save them for the right friends. And that goes for their future spouses as well.
"As a mom, I want to be single-minded on the reality that if God entrusted these kids to me, I am the exact mom they need. And as the rightful holder of that position, I will believe not only in God but I will also believe that I have what it takes to raise these kids right. As long as I ask for God to help me each day, I CAN be the mom I need to be."
And I pray for ME.
Lord, help me to:
*be ruled by truth not fear.
*not build the stability of my identity on the fragility of my kid's choices.
*walk in humble confidence that you, Lord, will give me everything I need to be the mom these kids need. Hush Satan's accusations and condemnations so my prayers will never be hindered.

.................................

Thank-Full; When Life Happens and God Speaks.



 

Those who sow in tears

Shall reap in joy. 

He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,

Bringing his sheaves with him.

Psalm 126: 5-6 (NKJV)

 

 

928. Eyes to see, all this grace
929. Snowy, sunny mornings
930. Dentist appointments
931. Chai Lattes
932. Thrift Stores
933. A moment to catch my breath
934. God speaks
935. A good day after a bad day

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God,

to those who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28 NASB

Thank-Full; My Mom and Family.

 

 

My mom.

I am incredibly thankful for my mom. I've said it time and time again, she is the most selfless person I know. Daily, DAILY, she lays down self for others. She stops and at the "drop of a hat" she is off to help another. Many times, that "another" is me.
How many times have I called her to vent or cry or "just to chat". She doesn't just listen, she helps. She offers up without hesitation.
"I'll come over"
"Bring the boys over."
"I can do that."
"Let's pray right now."

I've even run into her at the store, and she ends up leaving with one or more of my kiddos, because, "you'll get your shopping done quicker and with more sanity."

She's come to our rescue many many times.

How do you repay that? How do you give back to someone who's giving NEVER ceases?
She says "I'm your mom, that's what I do."
"You'd do it for me."
"You'll do it for your kids one day."
And sometimes she simply says, "What would Jesus do?"

My mom.

I am so truly thankful for her.


..........................


I am thankful for my family.

My mom's side of the family gets together every month. Right after (or right before?) my Maw Maw passed away, we started a "Sisters' Monthly Luncheon". The second Saturday of every month. (I have several aunts and cousins so there's quite a few of us.) Over the years, the guys (my uncles), started showing up. Eventually, it became the family luncheon. All these years later, we still get together. I LOVE IT. I love that we make time for each other, eat together, celebrate together, cry together and bring our prayers and needs to each other.
We have a Annual Family Picnic every summer and still plan a Christmas Family Dinner every December. I pray this tradition never ends.
I am part of a family of do-ers.  When there is a need, someone always jumps in. Sometimes, many of them. Someone is always helping someone. I love that. And it's a family where, though we are all flawed, we don't hold it against each other. There's mercy and grace. I love that my kiddos get to be part of this gift of family.

I am thankful to be part of a family that makes time for and cares for each other.

Thank-Full; Coffee with cream.

 

Today was a good day. But, it was all go, go, go.
So when evening rolled around and we finally made it back home, I was incredibly thankful to be home and to run my coffee maker. I always love coffee, but there's something extra special about it when it's cold outside and we have pumpkin spice creamer.
I'm really thankful for coffee.

Thank-full; This Man.

 

I am so thankful for my husband.

He works so hard for our family. He pays attention to us. He spends time with us.
He's witty, he's sweet and he's selfless, he's strong, he's stubborn determined, he's creative, and he's so smart (he can make something cool out of ANYTHING!).

Our kiddos think he's a superhero. (So do I!) They admire him and adore him. He's an AMAZING dad. I love watching him romp around with the boys and the way he spends time with them, even when there are other "things" that need done.

This man is determined to be different. To make a better way for his sons. He prays for and with us. He believes in, counts on and looks to God.

Bonus, he's a pretty good dancer too!


Yes, I thank God for this man.

Thank-Full; Bravery.

Last night was rough. And the turning of a page in our life.

The boys had their first dental appointment yesterday. They were so brave and did such a great job. Watching them in the dentist chair from a distance, listening to them chatting with hygienist like big kids. It was just another bittersweet momma moment. I was so proud of them. And then, we had a chat with the Doctor. "Do they have a habit?" He asked. He was referring to thumb-sucking.
"No. They use pacifiers. [cue the shocked looks] But only when they sleep and we're throwing them out when they turn 4 in a couple of months."
"They really need to go." ("Please tell them that, Doc." He did.)

So, last night, E said, "I'm ready to be a big boy, let's throw away my paci"

We weren't really prepared to do that just then. But, we went with it. I grabbed a jar and told the boys to leave their pacifiers for the "Paci Fairy". (That was the first creative idea that came to mind at that moment!)
So they did it. I could not believe it.

Low and behold, when it was time to turn out the lights, E cried. "But, I need my paci mommy! What will I put in my mouth?"
"Kiddo, try holding your bear or your lamb. Or cuddle up with Captain America. It will be fine, I promise."
After a short debate over nightlights and star lights, etc., all was quiet and they went to sleep rather quickly.

Around 2am, Z was crying, loudly, for his paci. It was awful. I tried consoling him. I told him the paci fairy had already come and the pacifiers were gone.
"I don't want anything else mommy! I don't want Christmas presents or a birthday party, you can have all my clothes, I don't need anything! Please give me my paci mommy!" Sobs, cries, gasps.

The death of the paci.
[It may seem silly to some, but for my boys, who have used a paci since birth, it's a loss. Loss of a comfort, loss of a habit. And it happened cold turkey. That's tough stuff! Especially for a three year old.]

I was heartbroken for him. I felt so torn. I was tired, I was worried the others boys would wake up, I wanted this moment to end. But, turning back now would only make it tougher later. Turning back now would actually be more harmful than helpful. I had to be strong. I had to help him get through this.
It got worse. Z had himself in such a "tizzy" that he was scratching. A lot. Hives were forming. I was starting to panic myself. "Help me God!" I just started praying for Z, for us, for help.
I gave him some medicine for the itching and put an ice pack on his legs. We laid down on the couch  and watched a little television. I just kept praying. I rubbed his back. I told him softly, over and over again we would get through this.

Eventually, this precious boy fell back to sleep. He woke up a couple more times, but we did it.

We made it through night one without pacifiers (for the big boys, that is.)

I am so thankful for hanging in there. For bravery. For not giving in when I so wanted to. This wasn't the first time and it surely won't be the last. Each time, I am a little bit braver, a little bit stronger. And I am grateful for God's help through it all.

The night came and went.

This morning, the boys woke up without saying much about the pacifiers. But I did go ahead and show them the money that the "paci fairy" left them. They're pretty excited.

 I'm not sure how tonight will go, but we will get through it. We will be brave and strong and we will all be better for it.

Thank-Full; The List.

So teach us to number our days,

That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.

                                           Psalm 90:12 NASB

 

 

"Number the beats, record the blessings, enumerate the gifts, see One at the center of it all, and know there is much and it is fleeting and it is in the accounting of a life that we accumulate thanks for anything in life. This way is gone all too soon."

A.Voskamp



 

890. God never misses an appointment

891. Teaching little boys to give thanks

892. Little boys wild and free

893. Kind neighbors

894. Phone conversations with my mom

895. Time change

896. When he (my man) smiles

897. Houseplants thriving

898. Our fish, Iron Man, is still alive

899. Hope

900. Witnessing a pink, purple, golden sunrise

901. Worship music

902. To pray for friends

 

My list has become a lifeline. 

Oxygen when I am suffocating. Life when I feel lifeless. Joy when I need it. More when I feel less.

 

I am thankful for my list.

 

Once one has begun, has tasted and known He is God,
who can stop giving Him glory?

 

 



Thank-Full; Church.

 

Tomorrow is Monday. Can I tell you something?

I LOVE Mondays.

And it's usually because I've been fed on Sunday. Soul fed. Thanks to our amazing pastor and wonderful, loving church family. I love our church...and as we continue to get to know the other families better, I love it more and more. I love that it's big enough there are a variety of people and families and the kids church is full of wonderful little people growing in Christ. I love that it's small enough that Pastor Larry is able to know his congregation. He and his wife do a wonderful job of getting to know their church family and making you feel welcome, loved and covered.

I am thankful for our church.

Have a blessed week my friends!

Thank-Full; Home.

 

It was almost seven years ago. We put our first little house on the market and hoped for the best. We weren't sure where we were going, but we knew one thing....we had to get to the country. We needed wide-open space and fresh air.
Then, one day, we found it. Or rather, it found us.
...It was nothing short of a miracle, a gift from God.

And here we are, seven years and three kiddos later; our lovely, peaceful home on our 5-acre corner of the world.

Every morning, as I watch the sunrise from my kitchen...I watch those bright-light rays reach over the trees, stretch across the land, light up the pond, reach up the back porch and spill into our windows and it just takes my breath away. (Do you know that no two sunrises are the same?) While knowing, that at any moment, ANYTHING can happen, I am enjoying this gift and all the beauty that comes with it.
And every evening as my exhausted eyes watch the sunset, the closing of the day, I give thanks again.

I am grateful for the space especially now, with three very adventurous, rambunctious boys. I am thankful we have a place to discover nature and watch God's creation up close each day. I am thankful for this dwelling. For the warmth, comfort and peace we have created here as a family.

I am thankful for this gift of home in the country.

Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world. ~Sarah Ban Breathnach

 

 

Thank-full; To be here.

 

I'm so grateful to be here.

We missed school time all week. Appointments and lunch with Gramps and Grammy at the beginning of the week, Library and play date Wednesday, Thursday was all pumpkin carving and decorating and playing outside.
So today, Friday, we read about Abraham, how he trusted God and was rewarded for his faith. How abandoning everything to follow God eventually leads to such blessing. Z says, "just like Noah mommy!"
He remembered. I am beaming.
We review our letters learned thus far and do a craft that takes all morning. We discuss words that start with certain letters and make up stories about silly things. We're cutting and gluing and laughing. Baby boy gets bored, so I pull out a bin of feathers, rocks and corn. He digs his hands in and laughs. He blows feathers everywhere. More laughter. He lines the rocks up and "counts" them.
I breathe it all in.
"Thank you God."
To be here. To have the blessing of this time with them. To really know and enjoy and learn with my sons.
Yes, I am thankful indeed.

 

 "Christian thanksgiving is the life of Christ in the heart, transforming the disposition and the whole character. Thanksgiving must be wrought into the life as a habit—before it can become a fixed and permanent quality.

We must persist in being thankful. Thanksgiving has attained its rightful place in us, only when it is part of all our days and dominates all our experiences.

Every day of our years should be a thanksgiving day.

He who has learned the Thanksgiving lesson, well has found the secret of a beautiful life."

J.R. Miller

 

This Morning.

My heart is flooded with thanks especially this morning.
…My giggling smiling baby boy, my loud crazy little boys with their laughter and energy and my hard-working loving husband with a heart so helpful and caring...Enveloped by family and friends who pray for us, with us and love abounds...you really cannot ask for more.
...Then there's my God, Oh! My Lord who so graciously gives us more anyway, just because He loves us so and longs to bless us.

Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 106:1

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

He determines the number of stars and calls them by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit. Psalm 147:4-5