The Final Day

Today is the final day of this 'series.' I can see some of you right now going, 'Yes!' ;) Hopefully it has been helpful. And .. it has taken me yesterday and today to put my thoughts together.

The thought that I want to leave you with is this: 'motherhood is a hallowed place because children aren't commonplace. Co-labouring together over the sculpting of souls is a sacred vocation, a humbling privilege. Never forget!' (Ann Voskamp)

This is a daunting thought. We are sculpting little souls! It is one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs in the world. However, it also brings with it moments of wondering if we are doing the right thing, and what we can do to ensure our children are protected and guided. This cannot be done without prayer! Who better to talk to then the One that formed them and created them? He knows these little ones better than we do (I know, hard to believe) and He wants the best for them as well. So let's daily pour our hearts out to Him and ask for His wisdom and guidance as we seek to train up these little ones for Him.

As the potter works with the materials, there is a vision of what he/she wants to create. Perhaps it's a vase, an ornament or a bowl. Whatever it is, there is a vision. Remember the verse 'where there is no vision, the people perish?' We are like that artist/potter with our little ones. We have a vision of what we would love them to do and how they will be.

Now, who helps us to sculpt this soul? Of course, the Master Creator & Sculptor. He sees a vision for them too ... but He sees the WHOLE picture. He already knows what our children will do and what they will become. So, again, who better to cry out to that that One? He will help us to train up these precious souls so that they may be used to bring honour and glory to Him.

What is your vision for your children and your family today? It will take work, and lots of prayer, but with the Lord's great help, we can see these little souls sculpted for Him!

Day 10 of the Joy Journey

Day 10

We are nearing the end of our devotional series on parenting with joy. I trust that as we have looked at these together that your heart has been touched and the Lord has revealed Himself to you.

Today, I will laugh! I will let the little children laugh! I will create a culture of JOY! Laughter is the cheapest, holiest medicine. Preschoolers laugh 300 times a day. Aim for double that. Tickle someone, (yourself!) if necessary. This is good!

This is a challenge for me today because I literally feel awful! I seem to have been overtaken by 'the cold.' My baby got vaccines yesterday and threw up all over me this morning while feeding her. (don't sweat the small stuff, right?! :)

I don't FEEL like laughing. But, if we did everything based on feeling than we would do hardly anything! 'I don't feel like cooking today,' 'I don't feel like doing laundry today,' 'I don't feel like getting up this morning ...the kids can fend for themselves.' ;) Let's be honest, there are days where we feel this way. However, we can choose to see joy, grace and then ... laugh!

We all know it takes more muscles to frown than smile. I don't know about you, but as I am getting older I want to prevent those wrinkles .. would much rather have laugh lines. :)

Let's reason today, with the Lord's great help, that we will laugh with our children and create a culture of joy! Tell jokes, funny stories, whatever it takes :).

I want my house to be a joyful place where my girls can thrive and know that we are living each day celebrating all of God's great gifts! And aren't there so many gifts to give thanks for? Not just at this time of year, but daily! His mercies are new every morning, and our praise should be too!

Day 9 of the Joy Journey

Day 9

Today, my priorities will be all things Unseen.

There is so much that the Lord is doing all around us that we cannot physically see. He is working on our hearts (we definitely feel that!), He is working on our children's hearts/lives, and the lives of those around us.

He is the Almighty, the All Knowing and the One who can do anything! He works in situations that we might feel are impossible. Remember the verse, 'with God, NOTHING is impossible!' Today, let's focus on that! Let's look to what He is doing that we cannot see. The inner workings that He accomplishes through those around, and even us! Isn't it great that God uses ordinary people ... otherwise how could we be used by Him?

Day 8 of the Joy Journey

Day 8

Today, I will hug each of my children as many times as I serve them meals ~ because children's hearts feed on touch. I'll look for as many opportunities to touch my children today as possible ~ the taller they are, the more so. :)

When Jo is home the girls really have a few simple requests. Can we ride our bikes? Can we go to the park? Can you tickle me dad? They absolutely LOVE to be tickled by their daddy! It is amazing that something so simple can bring them so much joy. And isn't that what we are searching for ... real joy?!

How do you feel when your husband takes your hand as your out walking, or sitting on the couch watching a movie. Does that still take your breath away the way it did before or just after your got married? I always loved the feeling of Jody's hand in mine. It was like they were always meant to go together and that the Lord finally brought them together :) I know .. sappy but hey, it's true. At the fair over the weekend we were walking through and he put his arm around me ... I loved it! It was so nice and it really reaffirms that his affection is directed to me.

Now, what about our children? Of course, the hug before school and a goodnight kiss but is that it? How would our children change (for the better) if we kissed their forehead and told them we think they are great throughout the day?  How would they react if we gave them a hug just randomly and reaffirmed that we are proud of them and the wise choices they are making today?

That is my challenge for myself today ... to hug my children as often as I can today and definitely when I hand out meals or snacks. It might even become routine ~ and if we forget they might ask 'where's my hug, mom?' :)

Day 7 of the Joy Journey

Day 7

Today, the moment when I am most repelled by a child's behaviour, that is my sign to draw the very closest to that child.

As a mom, there are some days where I look at my girls and think 'who are you and why are you acting this way?' Come on ....  you've been there too, right?! Don't leave me hanging here on my own! 

It is in those moments of disbelief at our children's attitude, sassiness, tantrum ... that they really need us the most. That is the moment where if we slow and draw near to them, we can help the most. Sometimes our child(ren) just need a hug and an 'I love you so much! what can I do to help you?' I know with my girls that there have been so many losses these past few years that some days they need a hug and talk about how they are missing their loved one. 

Don't get me wrong... I am not saying that discipline goes out the window! We still have a God given responsibility to train up our children. However, if we slow and take some time to draw near to them, I think we will be amazed at the change of disposition. Perhaps both in them, and us. :)

Day 6 of the Joy Journey

Day 6 

Today, I will pray to be consistently consistent. I will create safe rhythms that our children can find security in. I will create daily ceremonies because everyday we are CELEBRATING the gift of now!

I am a real believer in routine. For our family, we function better when there is a set 'rhythm' to the day. I make slow cooker oatmeal every weekday night for the next morning. That way it's ready to go, there's no excuse to miss breakfast, and the older girls can do a self serve if I am with the baby. One morning, Hannah ran up the stairs and asked 'where's the oatmeal?' I explained that I thought they might have wanted a break from it and we could do bagels. She said, 'I was looking forward to that oatmeal!' The joy of routine :)

Our homeschool day also runs SO much smoother! When things are organized and laid out for the day, we get more done and the end product is better ... and our attitudes are better too!

The thing is, our children find security in the routine we set out. Some of them actually thrive on it! Mine do :)

Celebrating the gift of now with them is showing them to appreciate every moment that God has given. The moments that He provides that can take our breath away if we slow to recognize them. All these days co-inside with each other. There are no emergencies .... so we can slow to appreciate all that is going on around us. The gift of now!

Day 5 of the Joy Journey

Day 5 

Today, I will speak words that are only STRONG words, words that make these children feel strong. Grace words. Grace is the only non-toxic air.

Have you ever been there? You lose your temper, raise your voice and after you realize ... I blew it! I have. (more times that I care to admit!) This daily challenge is just that... a challenge. This has really become a daily prayer for me. Every morning, and throughout the day, I find myself praying, 'please, Lord! Please help me to have words of grace.' 

I will admit, some days I blow it. Others are better. What words do I want ringing in my girls' ears when they go to bed? Words of grace. Words that encourage them and uplift them. How do we feel when someone snaps at us, or flies off the handle? If we were honest, we would say not very good. How different is that to our children? 

May we all endeavour to speak words of grace today. Words that build up our little ones and point them to the Saviour ~ the giver of such great grace!

Day 4 of the Joy Journey

Day 4 

Today, when stress mounts, I pray to dismount it with gratitude. My stress management plan will be intervention with, verbal thanks. I can only feel one feeling at a time, and I choose to give thanks at all times. Fight feeling with feeling!

Having a newborn in the house, homeschooling, and trying to keep a house operating can have its stressful moments! Don't we all have those moments where we think ... if I lock myself in the bathroom I can have maybe 2 minutes to myself! If you haven't tried that, don't bother ... they find you!! :)

With that said though, there are really just days where things don't 'feel' great. Maybe there's so much going on that my spirit just gets overwhelmed within me. It is in those times that I am trying to remember that I can only experience one feeling at a time. If I start to give God thanks for all that He has done, and is doing, than I find that state of being overwhelmed is suddenly in the past. My focus is on the joy of what He is doing!

The next time you feel stressed, maxed out, or just tired of the everyday routine ... praise Him! You will be amazed how it lifts your spirits and gives you a new take on things. Myself included!

Day 3 of the Joy Journey

Day 3

Today, I will not have any emergencies. There are no emergencies! Only amateurs hurry.

An emergency is something that is unexpected. Is anything unexpected to God? The One who knows all, sees all and guides us along ... could anything be unexpected to Him? Of course not. He already sees all that the day will bring us before we even get up and greet the day.

Isn't that such a comfort? No matter what my day holds, He has already seen it and approved it. He is allowing things to come about in my day to help me rely on Him, trust Him, and develop that deeper relationship with Him.

I know there have been many times where I have made an 'emergency' out of nothing! It was because I let myself get all worked up and overwhelmed and then it became 'oh, no! what am I going to do?!' It is during those times that I need to quiet myself and say, 'Lord, I know that this has been in your plan for me today. Help me to handle it in a way that is honouring to you.' And guess what? He will! He hears and answers! 

So, today as we go about our normal routines and see something pop up that was unexpected to us ... let's remember it is not unexpected to Him.

Day 2 of the Joy Journey

Today, I will transfigure all things into beauty, and I will refuse to see anything else.

Ok, I am not going to lie .... this can be a hard one!! We have been doing a lot of baking lately, especially since the cooler weather has appeared. I have 2 very enthusiastic helpers who love to measure, stir and roll. Great right? You're right! It is!! Until the flour ends up all over the floor or in the joys of stirring the batter half of it ends up on the counter :) Come on, you know you've been there too! You look around and think 'I just washed this floor and the kitchen was clean!' 

It is in these times that I am challenged to see the beauty. Little girls covered in flour, giggling as they help mama! Little girls so proud to be great helpers and making their own pies for daddy to enjoy. 

Who really cares that the floor has flour or the counter needs wiped again?! These are memories! These are things that, when our children are older, we will want to go back to. Those care free days of baking cookies or one of daddy's favourites to surprise him with when he gets home.

There really is beauty everywhere ... it is up to us to see it, and not be willing to see anything else!

Day 1 of the Joy Journey

Today we start our journey of finding and recognizing joy! 


I will be honest, I have not always been looking for the 'joy' filled things, or in a hurry to see the true 'God Gifts' that were around me. There have been many things that I have had to experience personally to begin my own journey of seeing all that He places around me. I had many losses ... namely the sudden passing of my dad, and then loosing a baby.


It took a while for me to be ready to see joy again, but I am thankful to say that God was patient with me (as He is with us all!)

The tool that God chose to use was a wonderful book called 'One Thousand Gifts' by Ann Voskamp. I know many of you have heard of it, some might have even read it, and for others, this is your first introduction to her. She has a fabulous websitewww.aholyexperience.com where she shares daily blogs and thought ... definitely something that I recommend you check out :)

The thoughts that I am going to share through the upcoming days are from her 'parenting manifesto of joy' and then some of my own thoughts as well.

So here we go ... Day 1
Today, I will make our home a house of prayer. I will pray at set times. And I will invite our children to come move into an interior space that lives with God. 

I know that many of us have a time of day where we quietly meet with the Lord and glean from His word. However, how many of our children see us doing it! I know that I do my time when the girls are sleeping or the house is quiet and they are doing something else. They need to see us praying and lifting up our voice to the Lord; they need to see us reading His word and applying it to our lives. How else can we teach them the importance of doing these things? Let's have our homes be a place where our children know that His name is uplifted!

Let's have a goal this week to have a few set times in the day where we pause and pray, give thanks and remind ourselves of His goodness towards us. I know for me, my goal will be 9am, noon and 3pm. Let's pray with our kids, for our kids and husbands and let's be families of prayer!

Until tomorrow :)

Daily Thoughts

The young moms of our church have a Facebook group where we enjoy sharing news, upcoming events and something new ... daily thoughts and devotions. It has been a great addition and I know it has also been an encouragement to me.

As our last little series was ended, I volunteered to do the next week or two and share some thoughts. 

so ... I thought why not also add them to the blog? So throughout the next little while you will (hopefully!) see daily thoughts. Please don't be afraid to comment on them ... I would love to hear what you think!!

Here is the introduction that I shared with the ladies today... tomorrow the real fun begins :)

As I begin to share thoughts and devotions throughout the next little while, I intend to be 'real' because isn't that what we all need? To know that not everyone has it all together. Because if we were honest, we would say that there are tough days; and days where things don't feel so great. And by saying that, we would really help every other mom who sometimes wonders 'am I the only one who is feeling this way?' Hopefully what will be shared in this upcoming week or two will be used by Him to encourage you as wives, moms, etc. and start us all on a journey to be joy filled believers!

May the Lord use what He puts on my heart to be an encouragement to you ... that's my prayer!

It's That Time of Year Again....

The night before the first day of school .... that day that seemed so far away at the end of June has crept up so quickly! I can imagine that there are kids all over the city with the same thoughts as my own girls ... 'we need to go to bed so we can get up for what?' Believe me, I have the same thoughts :)

As I was thinking about the first day of school, I was realizing that there are many parents with fears and concerns as their child(ren) head back to the classroom ... will they make friends? will they like their teacher? will the excel this year in learning? All of these are logical questions since we moms (and dads) want the very best for our kids!

Now, believe it or not ... I, as a homeschool mom, have those same thoughts and 'quams.' Why would I worry? you ask. I know, I'm home with my kids all day, I don't have to send them off to a different place to learn, I know their teacher well ;) ... but it's still true. There are things that concern me as a homeschool mom as well. I want to make sure that they are excelling in their learning and that I am providing an environment and teaching style that enables that. The reality of the fact that I am responsible for my girls' learning is a challenge that everyday I ask the Lord to help me with.

I want them to have friends! I want them to be able to have play dates, go to birthday parties and meet up with people at the park, ask if they can call someone on the phone and do FaceTime with those who live a distance away!

And of course, I want them to like their teacher ... but remember that I am teacher and mom at the same time. An interesting combination for sure! Playing more than 1 major role in my girls' life is a challenge.   But, by God's grace, and with His great help, I am up for that challenge. 

This year lies before us like a blank book waiting to be written in. What will our story be this school year? What will fill it's pages? As we make a story of our homeschool year, it is my fervent prayer that God will use our family for His glory; that we will be a family who loves to learn, and loves to learn together! 

What will your school year story be this year? Whether you homeschool or not, you are writing one. Let's make sure that we are committing it all to Him, who already knows ALL, and that we are willing to be used of Him. In other words, let Him be the One who helps you write your story! 

~ Another School Year ~

It's that time of year again! New pencils, workbooks and markers (Mr. Sketch if you're lucky ~ and yes, they still make them!)  ... the beginning of another school year is right around the corner. For our little family that means jumping into another year of homeschooling and we are excited! 

We are tackling Grade 1 and Grade 3 this year and the girls are looking forward to getting started ... they actually found their workboxes and asked if they could start their new books :) Let's not rush it! We still have 2 glorious weeks of vacay left and I intend to make use of every minute :)

Some people have asked about my 'teaching style' and I must admit that I ADORE unit studies! One topic and all of your main subjects are covered throughout your study. For instance, we are going to start the year off with a unit on Scaredy Squirrel. Fab books by the way if you've never seen them ~ and we will incorporate everything from math/graphing and time to antonyms in language, reading responses, and developing their own story board and finished product ... their own Scaredy Squirrel adventure! Amazing fun while learning .. isn't that what it's all about?! 

Now there is a new element to our homeschool year ... an infant! Yes, we have a new family member who happens to be almost 3 weeks old and this will be a learning experience for all of us! Juggling homeschooling 2 older children while meeting the needs of an infant is something that we will all learn together but we are up for the challenge. Who knows...maybe Charlotte will be reading by the time she's 1 ... I realize .... I was just kidding :)

There's a wonderful adventure awaiting us this year and I can not wait to get started!
Here's a break down of how our year is looking: 

Unit Studies ... including Scaredy Squirrel, Flat Stanley, Pioneers (gr.3), Ocean (which will coincide with our family trip to Florida!), Literature Studies (Black Beauty), etc.
Math ~ Ontario Curriculum Books that I found at ... wait for it ... Costco! $8.99 per book compared to the $22 each I spent last year! 
Science ~ Chemical Reactions (Volcanos ~ tying in with our Ocean unit), etc.

So, there you have it ... the first part of our year at a glance. We are also planning to go and visit Winter the dolphin (from the 'Dolphin Tale' movie) whose home is an aquarium not far from where we will be staying in Florida ... so I am sure there will be a Dolphin study in with our Ocean unit :) 

As always ... any questions about what we do our why we do it ... please feel free to ask! And  ~ as you all begin the quest to find those perfect back to school outfits and shoes, may your back to school be fabulous whether it be homeschool or 'traditional' :)

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made ~

The Summer has come and with it sunny days, jumps on the trampoline, popsicles, campfires and s'mores.... delectable family memories.

This Summer has also brought along our newest addition ~ 

Charlotte Katherine Ines made her grand debut on August 1st at 3:24am after only an hour and 24 minute labour! That's what we call fast and furious folks ~ trust me!

                                                              Isn't she just delightful?!

Having Lotte finally here has brought such a wonderful dynamic to our family! The 2 big sisters are thrilled to help change diapers, pick out her clothes and snuggle with her!

                                                      My 3 beautiful girls ~ true 'God Gifts'


It has also made me realize more and more how miraculous this creation of life is! How amazing to think that this little one began as a group of cells and developed into this beautiful, healthy baby. Only a Great Creator could arrange that! He knit her together in my womb and she has been fearfully and wonderfully made! What thanksgiving has been in my heart, more so since Lotte arrived, than I can really remember ... how can our hearts not swell when we see those eyes taking things in for the first time ~ the way they sleep, the little hands and feet .... 'O taste and see that the Lord, HE is Good!'

As we begin this new chapter as a family of 5, we are excited to see what He has in store. One thing is for sure ... with Him leading the way, we follow knowing that this Great One has a great plan!

~ more on homeschooling and our joy dare next time :)

 

~ What Kind of Nest are You Making?

A mother's care for her little ones ~ providing a nest of safety

Sunday was such a glorious Lord's Day, remembering Him, the very One who put the sun in the sky.  There wasn't a cloud for miles and of course, it was Mother's Day.


We had the opportunity to go and visit my husband's parents at their home during the afternoon, sit on the porch and let the girls run around their property with some new friends. As they ran into the playhouse, they noticed something incredible ... and brought it to show me :)


A robin had chosen the playhouse as the perfect place for her nest, and a home for her soon to arrive babies. The girls were memorized ~ they kept talking about the beautiful turquoise colour of the eggs and counting how many there were. The colour was truly stunning and we were all amazed at the way she had put her nest together. The effort she had put into making it the ideal home was incredible, and visibly noticeable.


Why would a robin choose the playhouse? they kept asking. I explained then, and again on the way home, that she knew that was the perfect place to keep them safe and warm and out of danger. 


Isn't it amazing how the robin wants the best for her little ones, providing for them and keeping them? Well, isn't that how all moms and parents feel? We want to provide our children with a safe place to grow and be nurtured, so when it's time for them to 'spread their wings' and learn to fly from the nest, they are prepared and ready to face what is all out there.


How much more does He, as our Creator and Master, want for us? He provides as no other can, giving a nest of safety through the direction in His word. Some see those directions as 'rules' or that they are there to ruin our fun .... but is that what we do as parents when we set down guidelines? We are doing it because we know what our children can handle at different points of life; we know them so well because we have been hand chosen to be their moms! Doesn't He do that as the Heavenly Father ~ gives guidelines and direction because He knows what is best for us? Of course! That is what love is! 


The robin loves her babies before she lays the eggs ... you can see that in her preparation of the nest (the home) she makes. What kind of 'nest' are we making for our family? Are we making it a place where our children feel safe and secure, knowing that they are loved no matter what they may do?! 


May our homes/nests be places where our family is priority, our children feel loved and people feel welcome! That is my prayer for the kind of nest I want to make!

~ The Sorrow of a Broken Spirit

Yesterday, I witnessed the broken spirit of a child ... my child. 


One of my favourite mothering/parenting books is 'Shepherding the Heart of a Child' by Ted Tripp (and as a side note I highly recommend it if you haven't read it!). In that book, Tripp talks about how there are certain times the will of a child needs to be changed/broken ~ for instance in a safety issue, something that is not age appropriate, and so on. We need to be able to change their will but do it in such a way that it does not break their spirit.


Yesterday in the express check out line in our local Wal Mart, my oldest daughter was inspecting a bag of chocolate candy. She was trying to feel how big the pieces were and then put the bag back. The lady behind us bent right down and with a finger pointed in my little one's face and loudly said, 'If I payed for that bag of candy and all the pieces were squished, I wouldn't be very happy.'


OK ... obviously my first instinct as a mother is to give this woman a piece of my mind (and maybe something else!) but I chose a soft answer and just said 'ok mam.'


But then there was the moment where I felt this little hand in mine and looked down to see tear filled eyes looking for some consolation. I put my arm around this first born of mine and held her tight against me and told her not to worry.


But her eyes... those blue eyes that are always sparkling... were suddenly dimmed. You could see the embarrassment on her face and in her actions ~ people were watching her and she just wanted out.


It was then that I fully saw what breaking the spirit can do. It can cause people to doubt themselves, who they are and their worth to those around them. I saw how for the rest of the afternoon she just wanted reassurance that I loved her no matter what anyone said to her. Her little sister did a good job by just saying 'that lady was just a little crusty...don't worry!'


I must admit that even writing about this, brings tears to my eyes. Just picturing looking down at her and watching the very joy that she had just had, vanish. 


May I be a mom who can help change the will of my children without breaking their spirit!! Oh, I have failed many times .. but there is a new resolve in me to make sure that my girls know their mom is their biggest supporter, encourager, cheerleader ... you get the idea!! 


Their little spirits are thriving on our love, support and encouragement. 


~ just some thoughts today that will hopefully encourage you as they have me ~

A Soft Answer ...

The weeks have flown into the next and before I have realized .. here it is Spring! The season of renewal and fresh beginnings. I have taken some weeks off to get my mind focused on priorities .... no, not blogging and status updates ... but my family; my husband and girls. The result with my girls has been tremendous! Calmness in the house, they are not battling for my attention .... all wonderful things that I am daily thankful for!

We have also been focusing as a family on the verse, 'a soft answer turneth away wrath...'

How many times have I snapped and had a hard answer to a very simple question?! I shudder to think at the answer if I was being completely honest. 

As moms, we have those little eyes on us all the time, watching our reactions, observing how we handle fear, anxiety, joy, sorrow .... the list goes on! And as those little ones grow and mature, they will take many of our examples with them into their adolescents and adulthood, namely the way they face everyday situations. Do they yell in response, or keep their cool remembering that verse they learned as a child and saw lived out in their homes by their parents.

I find myself throughout the day reminding myself, as well as the girls, 'a soft answer.'

Who wouldn't want to turn away wrath (anger, bitterness)? If we speak lovely to people we will be amazed at how that draws the 'lovely' out of them. 

Daily I find myself falling before God and pleading with Him to make me a mom who has a soft answer. And to raise up that desire in my girls! The challenges are great, yes. But, we have a Great God who, through the power of the Holy Spirit, works in us!!! 

May we all determine that we will be women and families with a soft answer!

A Froward Heart

'They that are of a froward heart are an abomination to the Lord, but such as are upright in their way are His delight.' ~ Proverbs 11:20

This was a verse from our Sunday School lesson this week in my young ladies grade 6-8 class. I am thankful to be one of the teachers of the class, and we have been doing in depth studies of different topics found in the book of wisdom, Proverbs.

'Froward' might be a new word for you. Some of your Bibles might say 'crooked' or 'perverse.'

To be froward is to be defiant, disobedient, difficult to deal with.... you get the idea.

This verse has been on my mind constantly since I heard one of the young ladies read it aloud. If I have a 'froward, defiant, disobedient' heart that I am 'loathed!' (abomination)

What a sobering thought! Of course, I know that we all want to have wise hearts; hearts that are compassionate and obedient to what we know we should do. But is that always how I am?

If I am honest, I would have to admit that at times my heart has been 'froward.' I have been difficult for some to deal with at times, and probably stubborn. I don't think any of us intentionally tries to be like this. I think that this is human nature.... the sin nature.

We live in a society that tells us that really the one that matters is us! We should please self and not worry so much about how it affects others around us. How contrary this is to what we need to do! We need to be reaching others ... doing what we ca

n for them, encouraging them, lifting them up, being there for others through joy or sorrow.

How I have been praying already this week that God would cleanse those 'froward moments' and impart a heart of wisdom and obedience. That He would keep me upright in my ways, so that I may be a delight to Him.

Imagine, me being a delight to the Almighty! But I can be, if I diligently surrender every day to be used for Him, and to live with wisdom instead of defiance.

Isn't living with joy so much better anyway? How great do we feel when we are hard necked about something? But oh how much better things are when we let that go and embrace the joy that He can give so freely!!!

~ a little one who is enjoying her daddy's new iMac :)

~ freshly fallen snow ... pure and clean!

~ that our hearts can be 'white as snow!'

The month of Love!

As I did my grocery shopping this morning, I was amazed at how many red hearts I saw floating from the ceilings, pink balloons, cinnamon candy hearts, boxes of chocolates, flowers, white and pink napkins and big signs reminding me that Valentine's Day is on the 14th. Like I could forget with all that around me! ;)

I got to thinking about how we have one day a year that is devoted to 'love.' And then I started thinking about the love of God! His love for us requires nothing from us ... there is no other love like His to me! Wasn't it love that drew Him to the cross, and held Him there? His love for me and His desire to redeem me!

The scripture is clear that He first loved us and that is why we love Him! ~ 1 John 4:20

And what can separate us from His love? Nothing!! ~ Romans 8:35-39

Isn't that an amazing thought? That He would love me so much that He would offer up His life a sacrifice for my pardon! I often think of standing before the judge and being sentenced to death and then One stands up and says that He will take my punishment. Do I know him? No .. never seen him before in my life. But there he is, offering to take the debt that I owe. Incredible!

Do I thank Him every day for this love, or is it just in this month that it comes to mind?! This love of His requires nothing from me, but He gave everything. God so loves me ... can you feel that love? Can you feel that love enveloping you and lifting you up? I hope so!

And what about those around us, our family and friends who mean so much to us? Do we tell them we love and appreciate them, or wait for a day that society chose? Let's use the day given to us, each day, to share His love, most importantly, and expressing our love for those around us who mean so much!

As this 'month of Love' continues, may you feel His wonderful love, and share it with others!

~ a God who loves me regardless of my faults

~ whispering 'i love you' in my honey's ear

~ hearing little voices say, 'i love you mommy!'

~ the love of God .... immeasurable ....

The Big News

The news is out ... our family is expanding! We were delighted to discover in November that a new baby would be joining our family ... however, I must admit that given the last pregnancy experience I had, I had a hard time feeling 'joy' about it!

I feel guilty even typing it!

My last pregnancy had progressed to 12 weeks and then abruptly, cruelly and painfully ended. That hit me hard. I delivered a little one that we laid to rest alongside my dad.

Where was the joy there? I didn't look for it .... I didn't want to.

So when the stick turned blue this time, I had that question come to my mind immediately, 'Lord, will you allow this one to stay?' Is this the answer to what we have prayed, and pleaded for?

For the past 12 and a half weeks I have asked that many times. I was beyond thankful to reach the 3 month mark this past week, and am beginning to allow myself the feelings of hope and joy that come along with a promised and precious little life.

I must make one thing perfectly clear .. I believe God makes no mistakes. That was truly put to the test though with our loss. But how can I say then confidently, that He makes no mistakes ... because He has shown me time and again.

When all looked lost to the disciples when the Lord was crucified, what happened? He did as He said He would, and was resurrected! When they felt they were being left behind when He ascended to Heaven, what did He do? He told them He would give them a 'comforter!' One who would always be with them, never leaving them.

Oh sure, things may look bleak to us, but He has already seen the end. The glorious ending and He is walking along the road with us, holding our hand, and guiding us along. He has shown Himself mighty countless times .. why should this time be different? He will do it again!

And so, as this journey of adding to our family continues ... I give thanks. For another day to grow a little life. For the miracle that He has allowed to happen. That He heard my prayer, like Hannah in 1 Samuel. That He has given the child that we have prayed for. Could something unexpected happen? Oh, yes. Can something glorious come out of those trying times? OH, YES! And we are living proof of that!

~ a little life, beating heart, fingers, toes, a little soul

~ dreams of my oldest girl ... wanting to make a difference!

~ this man that I think about every day ... a wonderful, godly father.

~ for the man who sticks with me, always beside me!

~ The Eyes

Aren't our eyes incredible? Do you know that when your eye doctor does a scan of your eyes they can detect high blood pressure, signs of stroke, risk of heart attack ... the list goes on.
To me, that is incredible and only an incredible God could design such a thing!

We show gratitude, love, assurance, appreciation, acceptance, and affection. We can calm the fears of others with a kind, reassuring look ~ however, our eyes can also show disgust, disappointment, anger .... and other things I don't even want to list!

Our eyes reveal what is in our heart! Aren't they referred to as 'the windows to the soul' and
rightly so.

Today, Hannah took part in a spelling bee and did a fabulous job! As I looked around at the
parents and friends of the other spellers, I watched their eyes! I could see all that they were
thinking and feeling. Pride for their little one, the encouraging smiles and bright eyes saying
'you are doing a great job!' Imagine... all that through the eyes!

What do I show my girls through my glances and looks? Am I showing them love and care, or
am I careless and showing things through my eyes that do nothing to encourage their spirit and
hearts? Oh, what a sobering thought!!

Oh, Lord help me to make every look count so that it encourages and builds up those around me!

Do I want my girls to remember the exasperated looks or the looks of love? What do I want my
days to be filled with? Of course the answer wells up within me ... who would choose
exasperation when we can choose love?!

I choose looks of love, encouragement, assurance ...

And the naming of gift continues ...

~ my little speller :)
~ a little sister who was there to cheer on her big sister
~ family and friends that came to support Hannah!
~ the love and joy that was shown to her through the eyes of others
~ giggles and joy over homemade pizza night
~ that I can see my girls, their smiles, their faces, their joys
~ the love in my husband's eyes for me, and for his girls :)

Let us commit to use our eyes to show our love ....

The Question ~

'Mom?' Hannah asks this morning on the way to Montessori... 'aren't you going to ask who wants to pray?'

'You're right, Han! I didn't realize we were this close! Who would like to pray?'
In my rear view mirror I see a little hand go up and voice exclaim, 'I want to, mom!'
'Ok, Grace. (my not so little 5 year old!) Go ahead when you are ready.'

And so begins a beautiful little prayer asking the Lord to give them a great day with their friends, learning and playing. For happy hearts and attitudes as they go about their day. For their daddy to come home safely from work today, and our family and friends.

And then the line that hits me ... 'and thank you Lord, for ALL You do for us!'

There it is .. 'ALL you do for us!' How do you list out the ALL....

I got up this morning, breathing and rested. I had a warm shower, with clean water, and was able to put on clean clothes. My girls slept in warm beds last night, while the storm howled outside. They had breakfast this morning and warm clothes to put on to go out into the cold... the list keeps on going...

This dare to find joy and count the gifts.... well, the list grows and grows!

All brought to mind from a little one`s prayer. Reflecting on what that word really means.

The dare continues ... counting ALL that He does for us.

Will you start naming His gifts ... there is no time like the present!

He is Good!

One of the amazing things about 'The Joy Dare' is choosing to see things as gifts. Yes, that's
right ... I said 'choosing' Because isn't that what we do? We choose to see things as either gifts
or as something else.

These past 2 years, our family has dealt with many things. We said goodbye to a beloved dad, my
girls have seen 4 of their grandparents be promoted to heaven, a much anticipated little one was
chosen to go straight to heaven before their earthly appearance, and a few more. Where do
things like this leave a mom? Where do things like this leave a family? Where do things like this leave a families relationship with an all knowing and perfect God?

I will freely admit that I struggled, and have those days which are more challenging than others.
Some days the joy flows freely, and my heart is overflowing with praise ... other days I have to
look harder for the joy. But ... I do look for the joy!! Isn't joy everywhere? Isn't all that He does good?

Psalms 119: 68a ~ 'Thou art good, and doest good!' There it is right there ... plainly and simply..
He is good and what He does is good! How can I dispute that? I might not always understand
what He is doing, but I believe that what He is doing is GOOD! That is God's very nature. He is
a GOOD GOD!

As we go through this dare to look for joy and find it .... I remember that His graces are all around us ~ they are just waiting to be numbered and He is just waiting to hear and receive our
praise. Will you give Him praise today for all that He has done for you?

This is an incredible journey ~ one that never ends ~ one the doesn't stop until we get to Glory where we will praise Him personally!! Until that day, I want to be one that is counting the gifts
of grace and giving Him the praise for them!

~ the ability and privilege to homeschool my children!
~ seeing my oldest get a new concept :)
~ watching the smile my little girl gives as she completes her math ~ a job well done!
~ seeing sisters, feeling yucky, snuggle for an afternoon quiet time.
~ the joy of a new day and all that lies before us!

Will you take the dare? Will you look for the gifts that surround you everyday and give the praise
to the One who is sending those gifts? You can join up any time and to find out more ~ visit
www.aholyexperience.com (Ann Voskamp's blog)

Join us on a life changing adventure ~ I guarantee you will never regret that you did!! :)

Counting the Gifts!

I am back! Where have I been? I am ashamed to say, not far at all!

I let my voice grow quiet for a while, dealing with losses too many to count, allowing situations
to get the better of me and not relying on God's strength the way I should have.

That brings me to last Spring, where as the flowers and trees were renewing with life, a
wonderful friend put a book into my hands that has forever changed my life!

'One Thousand Gifts' by Ann Voskamp ~ a dare to live fully right where you are!
A challenging title and an even more challenging read ~ definitely not for the faint of heart.

Many nights I found myself weeping at the raw and real writing of this amazing lady.
Getting on the phone late at night just to thank my friend for sending that book to me, for
seeing that I needed it ~for being a friend!

And so began my quest to name 'the gifts' ~ sounds tricky? Not at all ~ look around you! There
are gifts everywhere, surrounding us! And so, I have taken the 'Joy Dare!' Finding and
recording the gifts of grace that are around me everyday but that it up to me to see!

Oh, how many gifts have I let slip away because I didn't want to recognize them as gifts! How
petty and selfish to think only of material things instead of those things that surround me from day to day!

And so... the journey has begun and I continue it ... daily seeing His goodness all around me and
pleading with Him that as He shows me these gifts that I will give all thanks to Him! None of
these things are of my own hand ~ only of His! How amazing is that!

So....here is my question to you ... will you take the dare? Will you number the gifts that
surround you each day? I can promise you one thing for sure ... your life will never be the same once you start!!!


~ hearing my girls say 'my dad is such a great man!'
~ seeing my man get the girls all bundled up to go skating ~ never to busy to spend time!
~ living in an area that sees all 4 beautiful seasons ~ my girls know how to swim in the lake in the
summer and skate on it in the winter!
~ for His marvelous handiwork seen in the dancing snowflakes and frosty trees! Only He could
do that!

Number these gifts of grace with us ~ will you?