"...approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we might receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16
Happy Sunday, friends!
Prayers and blessing...
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Dear Self,
Sweetheart, it is plum alright. Everyone has "those" days when NOTHIN' seems to go right...or should I say "one of those weeks?"
It is alright that you are tired. You have been going, going, going. Your body is just telling you that it needs a little REST. So embrace the fact that you have gone to bed at least an hour earlier, every night this week. This is not a crime. Nothing says it is wrong to be in bed before your kids. They are a young teen and a tween and out of school for the summer. You are not getting any younger and have to be at work by 7:00a.m. every morning. REST. I'm giving you permission...
It is alright that you are bribing your children to do their chores. They need spending money for vacation time, you need a clean house to come home to. It is a win win situation, sister. Have no guilt over this. You don't have to be the "perfect" mom. They are old enough to pull their weight around the house. Thirty minutes of chores everyday will not kill them. :) As for the money? Make them earn it. Either way it comes out of your pocket. Relax. And by the way, didn't the fresh mopped kitchen floor smell and look good when you came home?
It is alright to be a little cranky. After all you woke up in the middle of the night last night with a terrible case of heartburn. UGH! Need to get back on your meds, darling. Anyway, while everyone was snoozing away, you were awake PRAYING for relief. The fact that you survived the day on two less hours of sleep is truly AMAZING. So if you are a little cranky, so what. Just don't take it out on the kiddos...oops! If you accidentally do this, just make sure to apologize and throw in an "I love you" and the big puppy dog eyes and...
It is alright that you do not understand the world of electronics. Seriously, isn't that why you married your hubby in the first place? (Actually, I married him, cause I love the stuffin' out of him, but since he is good with anything electronic and for the sake of this post...) I mean, when people build DVD players, cell phones, even alarm clocks, could just somebody think of ME?!!! I know this world does not evolve around me (sure found that out the hard way!), but life sure would run smoother if it did. Those yellow and black "dummy" books should just go ahead and print "Mich" on the cover, 'cause I probably need to read them all. Last night I had computer problems, last week it was the clock, today my cell... Say a prayer for the hubby. He earns a jewel in his crown just for putting up with me.
It is alright that you forgot your mom and dad were out of town. It is alright that you left several messages on their phone, only to be reminded by dear ol' sis that they aren't there. Here is hoping I didn't sound frustrated... (Love you mom and dad! Hope you are having fun!) Seriously trying to remember what I said on those messages, after all I have been a little cranky this week...
It is alright that you had a frustrating conversation today. It is alright that you thought ugly thoughts and were just a tad angry. After all, you held your tongue. You were a trooper and let it go, when the fiery words were itching to be said. It is alright because you asked the Lord for strength and He gave it. A situation which could have been bad, was just uncomfortable, because of the Lord's hand over your mouth. It's alright...
It is alright that you burnt half of dinner tonight. It is totally alright that you served "Breakfast" for dinner. Love that! Yet, somehow the sausage ended up burnt, the first round of toast burnt... I told the hubby that it was a good thing Kayla was cooking the bacon. :) Of course the fam said the sausage was good. I wouldn't eat the burnt, "I"M FED UP WITH YOU MEAT PATTIES," so I don't know if they were trying to make mommy dearest feel good or if I came up with a new family favorite; "Burnt sausage, the other black meat." :) We didn't starve so I guess that is what matters.
It is alright that you decided to just go to bed and start tomorrow fresh, since today has been so very "hunky dory." (Another southern phrase, which means "just wonderful.") Did you hear me self?!! IT IS ALRIGHT.
I once heard that when you don't feel like being thankful, to be thankful anyway. That when you feel like it has been a roller coaster of emotions kind of a day, you can still find something to thank the good Lord for. They are right...
Thank you Lord for simply being there, every step of the way. I couldn't have made it without you. You said we would have those days, that not everything in this world would be easy. Not everyone will always be easy to get along with. There will be days of crankiness, frustrating conversations and burnt toast. So thankful you are bigger than all of that. So very thankful.
Although I think I will just go and "rest" in your love now...
Yeah, it is going to be alright.
It is alright that you are tired. You have been going, going, going. Your body is just telling you that it needs a little REST. So embrace the fact that you have gone to bed at least an hour earlier, every night this week. This is not a crime. Nothing says it is wrong to be in bed before your kids. They are a young teen and a tween and out of school for the summer. You are not getting any younger and have to be at work by 7:00a.m. every morning. REST. I'm giving you permission...
It is alright that you are bribing your children to do their chores. They need spending money for vacation time, you need a clean house to come home to. It is a win win situation, sister. Have no guilt over this. You don't have to be the "perfect" mom. They are old enough to pull their weight around the house. Thirty minutes of chores everyday will not kill them. :) As for the money? Make them earn it. Either way it comes out of your pocket. Relax. And by the way, didn't the fresh mopped kitchen floor smell and look good when you came home?
It is alright to be a little cranky. After all you woke up in the middle of the night last night with a terrible case of heartburn. UGH! Need to get back on your meds, darling. Anyway, while everyone was snoozing away, you were awake PRAYING for relief. The fact that you survived the day on two less hours of sleep is truly AMAZING. So if you are a little cranky, so what. Just don't take it out on the kiddos...oops! If you accidentally do this, just make sure to apologize and throw in an "I love you" and the big puppy dog eyes and...
It is alright that you do not understand the world of electronics. Seriously, isn't that why you married your hubby in the first place? (Actually, I married him, cause I love the stuffin' out of him, but since he is good with anything electronic and for the sake of this post...) I mean, when people build DVD players, cell phones, even alarm clocks, could just somebody think of ME?!!! I know this world does not evolve around me (sure found that out the hard way!), but life sure would run smoother if it did. Those yellow and black "dummy" books should just go ahead and print "Mich" on the cover, 'cause I probably need to read them all. Last night I had computer problems, last week it was the clock, today my cell... Say a prayer for the hubby. He earns a jewel in his crown just for putting up with me.
It is alright that you forgot your mom and dad were out of town. It is alright that you left several messages on their phone, only to be reminded by dear ol' sis that they aren't there. Here is hoping I didn't sound frustrated... (Love you mom and dad! Hope you are having fun!) Seriously trying to remember what I said on those messages, after all I have been a little cranky this week...
It is alright that you had a frustrating conversation today. It is alright that you thought ugly thoughts and were just a tad angry. After all, you held your tongue. You were a trooper and let it go, when the fiery words were itching to be said. It is alright because you asked the Lord for strength and He gave it. A situation which could have been bad, was just uncomfortable, because of the Lord's hand over your mouth. It's alright...
It is alright that you burnt half of dinner tonight. It is totally alright that you served "Breakfast" for dinner. Love that! Yet, somehow the sausage ended up burnt, the first round of toast burnt... I told the hubby that it was a good thing Kayla was cooking the bacon. :) Of course the fam said the sausage was good. I wouldn't eat the burnt, "I"M FED UP WITH YOU MEAT PATTIES," so I don't know if they were trying to make mommy dearest feel good or if I came up with a new family favorite; "Burnt sausage, the other black meat." :) We didn't starve so I guess that is what matters.
It is alright that you decided to just go to bed and start tomorrow fresh, since today has been so very "hunky dory." (Another southern phrase, which means "just wonderful.") Did you hear me self?!! IT IS ALRIGHT.
I once heard that when you don't feel like being thankful, to be thankful anyway. That when you feel like it has been a roller coaster of emotions kind of a day, you can still find something to thank the good Lord for. They are right...
Thank you Lord for simply being there, every step of the way. I couldn't have made it without you. You said we would have those days, that not everything in this world would be easy. Not everyone will always be easy to get along with. There will be days of crankiness, frustrating conversations and burnt toast. So thankful you are bigger than all of that. So very thankful.
Although I think I will just go and "rest" in your love now...
Yeah, it is going to be alright.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Divine Restraint
I was reading my bible last night, doing a little journaling, when I picked a devotional book my hubby gave me for Mother's Day. I had already read a few of the entries, but last night the words literally jumped off the page at me and left me thinking...
"I know everything about you, far more than you know about yourself. But I restrain My yearning to "fix" you, waiting instead for you to come to Me for help. Imagine the divine restraint this requires, for I HAVE ALL POWER IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH." - God
(Taken from the devotional book "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young)
WOW! I had never really looked at things from God's point of view, like that before. Changes my perspective on a lot. Especially for yours truly who likes to have CONTROL a little too much at times.
Here is hoping you are having a BEAUTIFUL Wednesday. Remember, the Lord is there, just waiting to help us "fix things," we just have to ask.
Monday, June 7, 2010
A HUGE Sigh of Relief...
Remember an "unspoken" prayer request I had a few weeks ago? I got my answer today in the mail. Praising God for an answered prayer.
(My mammogram, that I had the other day and was so very nervous about turned up with a "shadow" that looked suspicious. I got the dreaded phone call where they tell you that you may have what is a benign tumor in my left breast and further testing will be needed. Talk about sick to my stomach. My hubby and I are already dealing with the fact that his parents both have this horrible disease, but now the possibility could be... Anyway, THANKS for the prayers. No matter what His answer would have been, I know He would have gotten us through it, I am just thankful the answer was "nothing wrong." I'm doing a happy dance today.)
(My mammogram, that I had the other day and was so very nervous about turned up with a "shadow" that looked suspicious. I got the dreaded phone call where they tell you that you may have what is a benign tumor in my left breast and further testing will be needed. Talk about sick to my stomach. My hubby and I are already dealing with the fact that his parents both have this horrible disease, but now the possibility could be... Anyway, THANKS for the prayers. No matter what His answer would have been, I know He would have gotten us through it, I am just thankful the answer was "nothing wrong." I'm doing a happy dance today.)
Thursday, June 3, 2010
This Song Goes Out To...
Last week my baby girl was having a hard time of it. The emotions were getting the best of her. Nothing big or to worry about, for those family members that get on and read a post here and there. Just normal everyday "stuff" that happens in the day and life of a 13 year old.
Anyway, she was "venting" her heart out one night. I was trying my best to listen and give thoughtful responses, but she didn't want to hear any of it. Finally, I just simple made her go to bed, knowing it was late and that her being TIRED was the root of all this drama anyway. After a big hug and a "I love you, tomorrow is a new day!" I went to my room and said a prayer for my little girl, before shutting my own eyes. Of course I prayed the normal, "Lord, help Kayla..." Yet, I also remember praying specifically that he would send her a surprise, a little something from Him, that would bring her a little "joy."
The next morning, I went to wake her up. Upon entering her room, I realized her stereo was on. I remember thinking it was odd, because she doesn't usually sleep with it on, but on the other hand shrugging it off, knowing she wouldn't be the first teenager to sleep with the radio on. At least it was on a Christian station...
Upon waking, Kayla sits up a little startled. I watch as her eyes begin to clear and she wakes up. All of a sudden there is a HUGE smile on her face. "Mom, it is my favorite song! They are playing my favorite song on the radio!"
Tears were forgotten. I leaned over with a kiss and simply stated "Kayla, I think God gave you a gift to start your day." Her smiled just got bigger.
God is good. He does care. And He loves reminding us that He is there and so much BIGGER than all the little drama in our everyday lives.
Prayers and blessings, friends!
What is Kayla's favorite chorus of the week? An oldie, but goody...
Anyway, she was "venting" her heart out one night. I was trying my best to listen and give thoughtful responses, but she didn't want to hear any of it. Finally, I just simple made her go to bed, knowing it was late and that her being TIRED was the root of all this drama anyway. After a big hug and a "I love you, tomorrow is a new day!" I went to my room and said a prayer for my little girl, before shutting my own eyes. Of course I prayed the normal, "Lord, help Kayla..." Yet, I also remember praying specifically that he would send her a surprise, a little something from Him, that would bring her a little "joy."
The next morning, I went to wake her up. Upon entering her room, I realized her stereo was on. I remember thinking it was odd, because she doesn't usually sleep with it on, but on the other hand shrugging it off, knowing she wouldn't be the first teenager to sleep with the radio on. At least it was on a Christian station...
Upon waking, Kayla sits up a little startled. I watch as her eyes begin to clear and she wakes up. All of a sudden there is a HUGE smile on her face. "Mom, it is my favorite song! They are playing my favorite song on the radio!"
Tears were forgotten. I leaned over with a kiss and simply stated "Kayla, I think God gave you a gift to start your day." Her smiled just got bigger.
God is good. He does care. And He loves reminding us that He is there and so much BIGGER than all the little drama in our everyday lives.
Prayers and blessings, friends!
What is Kayla's favorite chorus of the week? An oldie, but goody...
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Playing Catch Up...It's a Luau, the hubby turns "40," and Memorial Day!
First of all "THANKS!" for all the prayers. We have A LOT going on these days, but we believe in a BIG God who CARES A LOT TOO! I promise to share more about this at a later date.
In the meantime, I thought I would play catch up and show you why I have been so busy...
Did I tell you my hubby turned "40" two weeks ago? Well, we celebrated in style last Wednesday. Since Kev is just the most wonderful student minister EVER, I always celebrate his birthday ever year with some of his favorite people... HIS KIDS. Yep, we ONLY had about a 100+ teenagers helping us celebrate this milestone. And we did it Luau style. Can you say "FUN?!!!"
I have been planning the party for weeks, but spent all day last Wednesday decorating. Here is the end result of my hours of slaving away...
A friend at church did the cake. Isn't it the cutest? We also had cupcakes in rainbow colors to go with the theme.So here is the birthday boy himself... 
He may be "40," but this guy is a total "kid" at heart. 
We played the limbo.
Jordan and his "stacked hats" look. You have to be a pretty cool dude to pull this look off. :)
Kayla won a door prize. Pop-ice, anyone?
And of course the "token" picture to prove I was there in years to come. Sorry for the tired eyes, jinky hair and little to none make-up look. It was a good, but VERY LONG DAY, for moi.
Then...
Family came in this past weekend for Memorial Day. Kevin's brother and his family came to spend some time with the family. I have been a busy beaver, catching up on my laundry as well as joining in on the family fun. My niece who is the same age as Kayla has been staying over at our house most of the time too.
The girls made "cousin" shirts, or as my niece described them; "CBFF shirts." (Cousins Best Friends Forever) I took a few pictures to mark the occasion.
I don't know about you, but we had steak, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, veggies from the garden and salad for Memorial Day dinner. Yummy! My favorite meal.Hope you all had a beautiful holiday. I would like to take a minute to say "Thanks!" to all the soldiers and their families who sacrifice daily so that I can have the freedoms I have today. It is with a grateful heart that I celebrate. God is so very good and I daily feel blessed.
Happy Tuesday, friends!
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