Monday, March 21st
252) Pita bread- Crackers and breads are the one food group where we have struggled to find any acceptable options at the store for our daughter to eat given her food allergies. Nearly everything that you would purchase in the store includes one or more of the allergens or is not what I consider a reasonable price. Because of this I began to make homemade biscuits which our daughter loves to eat with jelly. Still, she will tire of biscuits all the time while still wanting to eat peanut and jelly, so when I found that pita bread does not include soy or dairy in its ingredients, I knew it would be a wonderful addition to our daughter's diet. She has enjoyed the additional variety and loves a slice of pita bread with jelly. Yum!
Tuesday, March 22st
253) Conviction- I received an e-mail from my Grandma today and while the contents were vastly important, that is not what I am sharing here. After reading through her e-mail, I could feel my Grandma's conviction and this is not the first time. I could feel how strongly she felt everything she said and that is what made it all the more powerful. This is also true with others who have had a strong impact on my life. I can see conviction in their actions and hear it in their words. Maybe when I feel as though I am being ineffective, it is because people do not see or feel the conviction in me. Conviction can be a powerful and effective tool and I have been blessed to be surrounded by people who hold some very strong, eternal convictions.
Wednesday, March 23rd
254) Floor Rugs- I have always appreciated floor rugs for the added warmth they provide to hardwood and tiled floors, but today I also realized they make cleaning up all the crumbs and tidbits left behind by a toddler much easier as well.
Thursday, March 24th
255) Intimacy- You can talk with another person on a very regular basis and still not have that close, intimate relationship based on trust and love. I have been struggling with something internally for which I am not extremely proud, and it is hard to admit, even to myself. So when I was able to talk with Drew about it and honestly admit what was going on inside of me, I cherished the depth and solidity of our relationship all the more.
Friday, March 25th
256) Power hours, 30% off, cash back savings- Some of you may already know what store I am alluding to, but for those of you who don't, this is a little nod to Kohl's. Thanks to Kohl's and their power hours, 30% off coupons, cash back savings all stacked on top of each other, we have been able to purchase proper work attire for Drew throughout our marriage. He has very particular tastes when it comes to his clothing which makes it nearly impossible for me to buy items for him if he isn't there to voice his opinion, but he still wants to get in, find what he needs and get out. Salvation Army shopping just isn't in his blood. So when he is in need of some new work clothes, I am always thankful for the multiple discounts we can get at Kohl's, and it is always great to see that you saved more than twice the amount you spent.
Saturday, March 26th
257) Trees in bloom- There is something wonderful about springtime. I do believe it is my favorite season. (I think I have said something similar about fall and honestly they are nearly even. I love them both so much.) Spring brings such a renewal and as I looked at so many trees in bloom today, I couldn't help but remember just how drab, dreary and dead everything had looked just a few short weeks ago. Each spring I am reminded through the blossoming trees and flowers that even when things seem to be dead or lost forever, something beautiful can come from it. If God set this in motion for the trees and flowers of the field, how much more so does He do this in the lives of those who live in His will?
Sunday, March 27th
258) Mommy-daughter activities- Whether it's baking brownies, helping with the laundry, planting vegetables, making the beds, dancing in the hall, working on her shapes and colors or playing with play-doh and bubbles, I cherish our mommy-daughter moments. I feel so blessed to be able to stay home with our daughter and love the time we share together.
Monday, March 28th
259) My high school cleaning job- When I took the job cleaning professional offices in the evenings, I did it out of necessity, and I honestly didn't think I would enjoy it. I mean, it was cleaning. However I found the work quite rewarding and I absolutely loved my co-workers. Besides the fact that the cleaning job helped to fund my college education, it also left me with a wonderful appreciation for a clean house. I cannot clean my house without admiring the shine or sparkle of a faucet or glass door all the while recognizing it comes from that summer. Since we continue to rent, this has been most beneficial - and a blessing- as we have always desired to leave the house in the same condition it was given to us (minus those items which naturally come from living in a place like nail holes for your pictures).
Tuesday, March 29th
260) Seeing the two-way street- I was running errands in town today during which a lady confronted me about something I had done that displeased her. It was not done intentionally, and upon recognizing what had happened, I apologized and did my best to quickly right the situation. However the entire time I was apologizing and trying to amend the problem, this woman continued to harass me and make comments about how rude and inconsiderate I was. I walked away from the situation feeling slightly injured. I knew and had admitted I had erred, but that had not been enough for her. I was frustrated and a little irritated that she didn't consider or take into account the obvious circumstances that led to my error nor accepted my apologies, etc. Before I could get much further in my thought process, I reminded myself of something very important. I do not know this woman and I have no idea what is going on in her life. Instead of making assumptions about her character based on this one fleeting interaction, I recalled that we all are dealing with issues- big and small- and often they affect how we interact with people. Just as I wished she had recognized the situations that led to my mistake, I needed to recognize that there could be several reasons for her reaction beyond what I could readily see. Whether that was the case this time or not, I am thankful that I was reminded that in each interaction and relationship we have, it is a two-way street and considerate and generous thoughts are never wasted.
Wednesday, March 30th
261) Basic Sewing Skills- With my basic sewing skills, I have been able to mend clothing, do basic tailoring, make some clothing for our daughter and myself, create personalized items for our daughter's bedroom and create personalized gifts. They provide me with an outlet for my creativity and are a money-saver.
Thursday, March 31st
262) Unexpected headache relief- For the past few weeks, I have had a persistent, unrelenting headache that has varied from severe pain to a full blown migraine. With the change in weather, things have only worsened. On top of the normal pain and side effects, I have added new rather brain-numbing side effects. We have survived fairly well despite all, but last night when our daughter was up with a stomach bug, I feared the worse. Already having an intense headache, I did not need to face a day on four or five hours of sleep. I wasn't certain how I would function let alone care for a sick child. So I took medicine first thing this morning and wished for greater relief than I have had in the past weeks, and despite all odds and expectations after years of experience with migraines, I went several hours without either pain or side effects.
Friday, April 1st
263) Sweetness- This morning I woke up with the stomach bug that our daughter has had the past few days, and I must say- forgive me if this is too explicit for some- I prefer almost anything to throwing up. I hate it and always have. Not even all my months of morning sickness made me more tolerant and now I was going to face it alone with a toddler who was still recovering herself. It just didn't sound like a good situation. Our little girl blessed me in so many ways this day. Every time I began to get really sick, she would run for a towel or Kleenex because she remembered that I had always wiped her face after she threw up just the day before, and throughout the day, she was an even bigger helper than normal. She ran dishes into our kitchen and managed to get them into the sink and did this without being asked. All this from a child who isn't even two. She gave me kisses and hugs and did all she knew to help me feel better. It's moments like that when you see the sweet, sweet spirit of your child that you can feel truly blessed.
264) Free mobile to mobile minutes- The morning was rough. I felt so terrible and time seemed to move slower than a crawl. I called my Mom thinking we would talk for a short time and when she found out what our situation was, she ended up talking with me for much longer just to keep me company. If it wasn't for the fact that we have same provider, we probably wouldn't have been able to do that as minutes would have been too costly, but I am so grateful for those free mobile to mobile minutes within our provider. They were quite a blessing for me today.
Saturday, April 2nd
265) Rest- Sometimes it is hard for me to just rest; I feel like there is always something I should be doing. Today however, rest was greatly needed. I am still not feeling 100% and I know that there is a little girl who is going to need me to be on my toes. My aunt and uncle offered to watch our daughter for the day so I could truly rest and it blessed me so much- physically and emotionally.
Sunday, April 3rd
266) Letting go- I'm a planner; Drew would probably say that was an understatement. The truth is I am highly organized and I like to know what is going to happen in advance as much as possible so I can be prepared for it. That is why I like to plan things out. We have been considering some possible changes for our family that would be fairly significant- nothing is definite and nothing must happen any time soon, but I think it is something we would both like to see happen sometime in the upcoming months. I am the one who has been doing the necessary research, but in the process, I have gotten wrapped up in the idea that it had to be done ASAP- the first possible chance we had- when that really isn't the case. Because of that mindset, I have allowed some anxiety to creep in as it doesn't seem like the plans are gelling. Today I remembered two important things: (1) We don't have to do anything right away and things will happen at the right time- God's time. (2) When I let go and let God take control, things always work out for the better.
This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace
Trusting and trying to embrace
The fear of the unknown
Beyond my comfort zone
Beyond my comfort zone
I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
I’m losing control
Of my destiny
It feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
I’m losing control
Of my destiny
It feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go
Giving in to your gravity
Knowing You are holding me
I’m not afraid
(I'm Letting Go, Francesca Battistelli)
Monday, April 4th
267) Refining- I heard someone make a comment on the radio today about the refinement of character and that really got me thinking. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary "refine" is defined as follows:
transitive verb 1) to free (as metal, sugar, or oil) from impurities or unwanted material; 2) to free from moral imperfection; 3)to improve or perfect by pruning or polishing; 4) to reduce in vigor or intensity; 5) to free from what is coarse, vulgar, or uncouth intransitive verb 1) to become pure or perfected; 2) to make improvement by introducing subtleties or distinctions
Our society and world seems to place refinement of high value, but what items do they want refined? How much is spent on the refining of manners (ie. finishing schools) or the refining of ore, minerals, metals, and petroleum? In the end, we consider each of those items more precious because they have been refined. How much more precious would be a refined character and spirit, yet how much time, effort and expense do I give toward that end? The process does not claim to be easy- neither without toil nor without pain- but the end result offers much blessing. "In the whole land,” declares the LORD, “two-thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it. This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,' and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’” Zechariah 13:8-9
Tuesday, April 5th
268) Creative Solutions- Dressing our daughter has proved more challenging in these earlier, cooler spring months. Right now her waist is somewhere between size 12 month and 18 month (depending on the brand) but she absolutely needs size 24 months for the length in her pants. Originally I thought we could just use the true adjustable waist pants and that would work, but because of how much we need to cinch them in at the waist, they haven't really worked out like I thought. I have found some options that worked, but like I said earlier, it has been more of a challenge to find the right fit. As we begin to see the first weeks of warmer days and our daughter is beginning to wear capris, etc., I am seeing a wonderful creative solution to this dilemma. When it comes to shorts and skirts, the issue of length becomes more of a non-issue which means I can focus on getting clothes that fit her in the waist. For those colder days, we can always use thicker tights. TaDa! Not only will she be dressed in clothes that fit that are also appropriate for the weather, but she will also love what she is wearing.
Wednesday, April 6th
269) Salaried- I know I have said I am thankful for Drew's job, but beyond the fact that he has a job which provides for us, he also receives a regular, consistent amount each month. I never really thought about what a blessing that was until the last few weeks. With growing talks about possible government shutdowns (whether or not you believe it could actually happen), there has also been chatter about the possibility that military paychecks may be stopped (at least from the date of the shutdown until the government starts up again). These threats were originally mentioned by newspapers but have recently been stated by the White House administration. I'd be lying if I said it didn't have me thinking twice. As we wait to see what will happen in Washington DC and what Drew's next paycheck will look like, I am thankful that he typically receives a salary. I know many people are paid hourly wages, which can be so fickle and changing, and this is just a reminder of our daily, daily blessings.
Thursday, April 7th
270) Previous Tight Budgets- I have been keeping an eye on the goings-on in Washington DC today; I am not really anxious as we do have the means to cover expenses for a short while (another blessing right there) and I completely realize all of this shutdown drama may just dissipate if it was really more of a political ploy than a real deadlock. However as it could affect us, I am interested. I thought about what we would need to change should a shutdown occur and it lasted long enough that Drew's pay was affected-- and that took me back to memories of my first years in College Station. I am reminded of my first apartment, my pay-as-you-go electricity, the splurge of fast food once a month and my $10/month budget for all things entertainment. It wasn't the easiest time, but I grew so much through those months. Thanks to times like that, I also know that Drew and I would be able to tighten our belts and face more meager situations as well, so instead of it being my "poor" time, I was rich- rich indeed with family, friendship, faith, love and more.
Knowing You are holding me
I’m not afraid
(I'm Letting Go, Francesca Battistelli)
Monday, April 4th
267) Refining- I heard someone make a comment on the radio today about the refinement of character and that really got me thinking. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary "refine" is defined as follows:
transitive verb 1) to free (as metal, sugar, or oil) from impurities or unwanted material; 2) to free from moral imperfection; 3)to improve or perfect by pruning or polishing; 4) to reduce in vigor or intensity; 5) to free from what is coarse, vulgar, or uncouth intransitive verb 1) to become pure or perfected; 2) to make improvement by introducing subtleties or distinctions
Our society and world seems to place refinement of high value, but what items do they want refined? How much is spent on the refining of manners (ie. finishing schools) or the refining of ore, minerals, metals, and petroleum? In the end, we consider each of those items more precious because they have been refined. How much more precious would be a refined character and spirit, yet how much time, effort and expense do I give toward that end? The process does not claim to be easy- neither without toil nor without pain- but the end result offers much blessing. "In the whole land,” declares the LORD, “two-thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it. This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,' and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’” Zechariah 13:8-9
Tuesday, April 5th
268) Creative Solutions- Dressing our daughter has proved more challenging in these earlier, cooler spring months. Right now her waist is somewhere between size 12 month and 18 month (depending on the brand) but she absolutely needs size 24 months for the length in her pants. Originally I thought we could just use the true adjustable waist pants and that would work, but because of how much we need to cinch them in at the waist, they haven't really worked out like I thought. I have found some options that worked, but like I said earlier, it has been more of a challenge to find the right fit. As we begin to see the first weeks of warmer days and our daughter is beginning to wear capris, etc., I am seeing a wonderful creative solution to this dilemma. When it comes to shorts and skirts, the issue of length becomes more of a non-issue which means I can focus on getting clothes that fit her in the waist. For those colder days, we can always use thicker tights. TaDa! Not only will she be dressed in clothes that fit that are also appropriate for the weather, but she will also love what she is wearing.
Wednesday, April 6th
269) Salaried- I know I have said I am thankful for Drew's job, but beyond the fact that he has a job which provides for us, he also receives a regular, consistent amount each month. I never really thought about what a blessing that was until the last few weeks. With growing talks about possible government shutdowns (whether or not you believe it could actually happen), there has also been chatter about the possibility that military paychecks may be stopped (at least from the date of the shutdown until the government starts up again). These threats were originally mentioned by newspapers but have recently been stated by the White House administration. I'd be lying if I said it didn't have me thinking twice. As we wait to see what will happen in Washington DC and what Drew's next paycheck will look like, I am thankful that he typically receives a salary. I know many people are paid hourly wages, which can be so fickle and changing, and this is just a reminder of our daily, daily blessings.
Thursday, April 7th
270) Previous Tight Budgets- I have been keeping an eye on the goings-on in Washington DC today; I am not really anxious as we do have the means to cover expenses for a short while (another blessing right there) and I completely realize all of this shutdown drama may just dissipate if it was really more of a political ploy than a real deadlock. However as it could affect us, I am interested. I thought about what we would need to change should a shutdown occur and it lasted long enough that Drew's pay was affected-- and that took me back to memories of my first years in College Station. I am reminded of my first apartment, my pay-as-you-go electricity, the splurge of fast food once a month and my $10/month budget for all things entertainment. It wasn't the easiest time, but I grew so much through those months. Thanks to times like that, I also know that Drew and I would be able to tighten our belts and face more meager situations as well, so instead of it being my "poor" time, I was rich- rich indeed with family, friendship, faith, love and more.
No comments:
Post a Comment