The Morning

I am sitting in bed,
pillows propped high,
my back arched over them and the wall,
I wake to clean kitchen waiting, Bible pages calling,
children sleeping, and friends waiting for key typed messages I should have sent days ago.
I feel the hum of the day as I type on the hum of my computer.
The screen is bright,
forceful while the sun still slumbers.
And just as I begin, I hear pitter patters,
pitter patters that become thuds as sweet child comes running.
She looks ragged and rosy, smiling pile of bed head,
as she crawls into my bed.
And I type one handed as the other cuddles my once was toddler.
and I smile my thankfulness that God made me a Mother.

Thankful Thursdays

There are so many little things that grab my heart. That make me giggle, tummy turned inside out, whilst bubbles seem to burst out of my ears and my cheeks flush excited.
Ok, so this could be a slight exaggeration but needless to say it is the little things that make me want to dance dizzy with delight. So, I think it's best to say thank you Lord for ALL the gifts that are given.

Thursdays seem to be a fine day for thankfulness. So, Lord willing I will be posting some of these sweet treasures each Thursday. Please do feel free to post yours in the comments section and let's all give thanks together!

1. My hubby bought me a label maker. Seriously is there anything more fun than an organized house?! When someone asks "Where is . . ." (insert item of the moment) and you can give specific instructions vs. "well it is over in the kitchen in the bottom or middle cupboard, actually why don't you just let me go get it . . ." Please tell me I am not the only one who does this!


2. A Bible reading husband. Yes, this should have been number one. The label maker got me carried away but truly seeing my husband read the Word is divine.

3. A Bowl of Apples. Now there is so much more to this than delicious Montana grown, crisp fall apples. These were bags left by someone at church for families to take and enjoy. And enjoy them we have. Crunch crunch crunch.

 

What is thrilling you into thankfulness?

I Haven't Wanted to Write Lately

I haven't wanted to tell the truth that I hit a crashing wall of tiredness after moving to KY, moving back home in 2 weeks, having house guests, getting sick, my Grandpa dying.
I hit a wall. And I didn't want to do anything.
Nothing.
Nada.
And I was angry.
Because I have four children that need me.
And I didn't want to do anything.
Have you noticed all the I's and Me's here?
I am awfully important to myself.
Oh sure it looks like I give give give.
Mopping floors, wiping tears, and bottoms, teaching math,
creating games, making lunches, laundry . . .

Does my list look a lot like yours?

And I can be doing a lot for others, doing keeps you busy and it LOOKS really lovely,
but when inside your grumbling, mad at the responsibilities and your thinking constantly about how I can get to ME, well, the stench of sin slips out eventually.
A snide comment here, lazy job done there,
impatient glances, answers and appetites will be realized.
By the ones that you love
by the ones that love you,
by yourself.
And when I came face to face with my deceitful heart, and saw the corroding of love and grace,
I fell flat faceward toward the Word.

For He never gave ungratefully, He never spent himself selfishly, never took His eye of off others,
never wished to be free but freely bled. I will never be poured out like Him, but in these moments, I see how far I really am. And how great He really is. How my faith can be so small and self-centered and how far He will reach till I turn my hands out to grab His.
Oh, and I am reaching today.
To touch the palms nailed open,
to feel the washing away of my sin,
to behold the loveliness of my Creator.
Won't you run to Him too?

I'm A Little Bit Country and a Little Bit Rock and Roll

I love music. I love music that praises the Father.
I love hymns.
And I love to shout praises to my Jesus.
I love to be solemn, broken, on my face in reverent praise.
I love to jump praises, arms raised high, face turned up to Him.
I love to worship Him because He alone is worthy.
Amen.
Let it be so.

Grandpa Joe

Mary is named after him.
Our Mary Josephine.
He was my confidant, comrade, and a constant source of joy.
All who met him loved him because he welcomed people in.
He expected little until he expected much.
He listened more than he offered wisdom,
but when wisdom was offered it was profound.
He housed me for a time in my teens,
and lied when he said he liked my macaroni and cheese.
He took me on dates and encouraged me.
He knew all my secrets,
and he basked in the joy of each child that would be his great.
I loved him.
I love him still.
Good bye sweet Grandpa.
You will be missed.