The little things.

I have just finished reading this book 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp over at http://www.aholyexperience.com. This is one of those life-changing books. Thank you Lord for this book and the work I see you doing in my heart through it. Lord, thank you that I didn't miss what happened in Ethan's game on Saturday. What may have seemed insignificant was truly from You. How else can you explain a grown woman jumping up and down with tears streaming down her face because a basket was scored. Not because the game was won but because I watched a Godly man not care about the score but about the hearts of the players. I watched as a whole team rallied around "the least of these" to help him get a basket. They spent 2 quarters of the game getting the ball to the this little bit of a boy who can't even get the ball to the rim in hopes he would score. Each player watched for an opportunity for him to be open and would get him the ball. Shot after shot. Not even close. Then it looked like the whole team made a wall for him and the other team even backed off. Up, goes the ball and swish. The delight and joy on this little boys face and the parents,they were beyond proud. No one wants their kid to be the only one without a basket the entire season. Troy and I had been praying that each player would score this season. Not only did he answered but every player scored in the last game of the season and they won by two points. God is good and I have no doubt He cares about the little things. Go Dragons!

A funny

Okay so this morning we were getting ready for church. Caden came into the bathroom and very proudly was holding out six cents, "Look what Sophie gave me mommy." I responded, "wow that was very kind of her." Fast forward 10 minutes as we are walking out the door. "Sophie did you feed the cats?" Sophie says, " No, but I took care of it. I gave Caden lots of cents to do it for me." That girl is a mess.

Things Realized

I have had a lot going on in my head lately and I have come to realize a few things, some are new revelations and some are old things I have been reminded of.

1. The desert isn't always a bad place. Look at the Israelites they were led and feed by God for 40 years.

2. The mountain top experience is always worth the climb.

3. When on the mountain top be careful not to look down at people still climbing.

4. God's timing is always right on time.

5. Just because an experience isn't a good one doesn't mean it is not a God one.

6. Although Christian books are great, nothing should replace my Bible.

7. The Bigger and harder it gets to hold my babies the more I want to.

8. Reading great books, looking for worms and making cookies for the neighbors IS home schooling.

9. I do not have to live in Mommy guilt because I missed the boat on something. I just need to catch the boat.

10. A nice chai latte can soothe the savage beast.

11. Peeing in my pants while chasing my kids and jumping on the trampoline are inevitable but worth it.

12. My knees are not nearly calloused enough.

13. Living a life of thanksgiving truly changes your perspective.

14. Surrounding yourself with people that live a life of thanksgiving makes all the difference.

15. I can't do it all myself.

16. It is okay to trash everything and start over.

17. The Mommy "hat" is the hardest, most rewarding and most forgiving hat I wear.

and last but certainly not least God is so good.

Refusing

Today I am refusing to loose my joy. Refusing to let the negative seep in. Refusing to forget all I have to be thankful for. Refusing to let bad attitudes change my perspective. Refusing to let circumstances change my outlook. Refusing to forget that the God of the universe is in control. Refusing to let the thief come to steal, kill and destroy. Refusing to forget Whose I am and what that makes me. Today I am refusing, I am stomping my foot and saying NO. I am lifting my face to the One and letting His light warm me and fill me up.

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

Fear

I cannot believe January is over. It literally was a blur, but all the work is done and we actually had people look at Dad's on Saturday.
I was away. We have a gracious couple who have a beach house they let us stay in. Troy and I had planned to go away for the weekend but with being away so much in January I couldn't leave the kids again. Our friend encouraged us to go anyway and we did. Took the kids and had some great quality family time. It was much needed by everyone. We spent 4 days in fantasy land. A break from everything. It was great but as we started to pack I found myself frozen in fear. Fear that I will still be tired. Fear that I still don't have enough emotional reserve to meet the needs of those around me. Fear that I will not be my best for my family. Fear that the peace of decisions that have been made recently will fade in the reality of sacrifice. Fear that I am not going to be able to find a rhythm in a new routine. Fear that I am not going to be able to put feet to the things God has been speaking to my heart. But then I feel the light seeping in. I see clearly that the enemy is feeding me lies and wants nothing more for me to stay frozen in that fear. I hear in quiet places, "Fear is not from me." And one of my favorite verses becomes an inferno in my heart. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. On my own I can stay in this fear but I have God's spirit of power, love and sound mind. I can do this with Him. He will be my source of strength, I have no reason to be afraid.
So, now as we unpack the suitcases, I lay out tomorrows assignments and I start the laundry. I still fill overwhelmed and anxious but also excited, renewed and trusting God. I am sure tomorrow will come with bumps and bruises. I am certain I will get frustrated and tired but I am also positive that God will be with me every step of the way and when you have a companion like that how can you not smile.