"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully give thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." Colossians 1:9-12
Friday, August 12th
403) Taking initiative- It is easy to see a situation that bothers or disappoints you and merely complain about it. However when you choose to stop complaining and do something to try to right the situation, you can be greatly blessed. At that point, you are no longer a victim of circumstances but the navigator of circumstances. Hopefully the Lord is the captain of your ship, but if you take initiative- when possible- you go from being tossed about on the winds and whims of life to directing your ship and navigating through life.
Saturday, August 13th
404) Trust- In what do I place my trust? In whom do I trust? Trust is not freely given; generally it must be earned. Once trust is lost, it can be a hard thing to rebuild. There are some here on earth that I trust, not because they will never hurt me or always have the right answers, but I trust them because I know they would never intentionally hurt or mislead me. I am thankful for the ability to trust them and the trust that so many of them have placed in me. Trust can transform your relationships and that is exactly what it has done for me.
There is one other that I trust, more than any of the others combined. I trust Him not because he will never intentionally hurt or mislead me, but because He will never hurt me and always has the best answers and guidance.
Some trust in the scientific method; I trust in the One who made science possible.
Some trust in mathematical equations; I trust in the Designer of math.
Some trust in government; I trust in the One who grants government their power.
Some trust in their own strength; I trust in the strength of the Almighty.
Sunday, August 14th
405) My brother (in-law)- Twelve years ago, my older sister married an enthusiastic, energetic and somewhat crazy Tennessean. At the time, it scared me a little. My sister had always been my best friend, but I knew that with marriage her time and devotion would go another direction. Not only that but I knew it meant she was going to permanently live far away from our family. Neither thought was thrilling in my mind. Twelve years later, I still think my brother-in-law is quite enthusiastic, energetic and a little crazy (but only at times) and I love him for it. His infectious spirit has added so much to our family and the past twelve years just wouldn't be the same without him. Happy Anniversary!
Monday, August 15th
406) Certainty- "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 There is so much in this life that is uncertain and as an Army family, I have found that our lives hold even more uncertainty. Sometimes it can seem like nothing is a given. At times like that, I am so grateful for my faith and the certainty it provides. Even if everything in my life is flipped on its head or comes crumbling down around my ears, I am certain about God, who He is and how much He loves me.
Tuesday, August 16th
407) Donating- At the most basic level (and thanks to my frugal disposition), I am thankful for donating because it offers a wonderful option for your gently used clothing and household goods that at the same time can benefit others. Looking at the bigger picture (because donating is not just gently used clothing and household goods), it truly is "better to give than receive." I want to use the Lord's blessings in our lives to bless others. Donating of our time, our finances and our possessions is just one of those ways.
Wednesday, August 17th
408) Truth- There are some in our society who would say that truth is relative. After all, it's all a matter of opinion and everyone has a right to their opinion. I would agree that everyone has a right to their opinion, but truth is not a matter of opinion. There is one and only one truth in this world and it has been built into us, evidenced by our sense of right and wrong, fairness and justice. We can override that which is built in us, but we cannot change the truth. Some find the truth limiting or weighty, but I have found that the truth is liberating. It doesn't free me from rules, but it lifts my spirits, comforts my soul and give me peace about the future.
Thursday, August 18th
409) A gift card- Surprise! I got our mail and what did I find..... a gift card to the wholesale store where we have always bought our daughter's diapers. It was a little gift from the store and the diaper company for our faithful patronage. I never expected anything of the like, but what a wonderful little gift to find in our mailbox.
Friday, August 19th
410) A second set of eyes- We all see things a little differently: events, opportunities, possibilities and difficulties. With the help of a second set of eyes, we often can get a better, more well-rounded understanding of whatever we are facing. I had that kind of help this week and I am so grateful for it.
Saturday, August 20th
411) Remembering wise advice- I have received a lot of good and wise advice over the years. There are a few that often come back to me and have helped me through a wide variety of events and circumstances. Two such pieces of advice readily come to mind. My parents told me both.
"Enjoy the journey." I cannot tell you how many times this simple phrase has lifted me up during hard times or re-focused my thoughts when I was burdened down with minute details.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 When I left for college, my parents also had the chance to leave me a video message which the school would play during my first week of college midterms. (All the freshmen's parents were invited to do the same.) My parents left me with this Bible verse. Obviously it's not original to them, but I have never forgotten those words as they left me hours from home as an 18 year old girl. Not only were they encouraging me to live that way, but they were living out the words themselves. No matter what I face- when life doesn't make sense or seems downright unfair- I remember this verse and my parents who shared it with me, in words and deed.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Let Your Light Shine: Three Eighty-Nine thru Four Hundred Two
"I lift up my eyes to the hills-
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip-
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you-
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The lord will keep you from all harm-
he will watch over your life,
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore."
Psalm 121
Friday, July 29th
389) Shade- After living in humid climates for several years where the shade does not ease the oppressive heat, I have gained a stronger appreciation for shade here in Albuquerque. What an incredible difference between standing with the sun beating down upon your head and relaxing in the shade. The temperature is significantly different. Shade has allowed my family to enjoy the outdoors far more than we were able to during past summers.
Saturday, July 30th
390) Singing- How thankful I am that God gave us the ability to sing! I love singing myself, listening as others sing- particularly when standing in the midst of a congregation singing praises to God, and hearing our little girl find her singing voice. They all brings me joy, entertainment and peace. I cannot imagine life without singing.
Sunday, July 31st
391) Clothes for our little one-I know buying toys for children is far more fun than clothes, but we are ever so thankful to those who help us keep our little girl dressed. The older and bigger she gets, the more I am reminded of this blessing.
Monday, August 1st
392) Crock pot meals- I love my crock pot. In fact I use it frequently enough that we have two (comes in handy at Thanksgiving time). I love that I can make a wide variety of meals where the preparation takes place earlier in the day before I get busy with other things, and it doesn't add too much additional heat to our house.
Tuesday, August 2nd
393) A good end after a rough start- This morning was a rough morning for our daughter. It was one of those days where I felt like the only word I said was "no." I wondered briefly if I was just being too strict and putting too many boundaries up, but as I looked back over the various situations, I realized it wasn't me. Our daughter was just having one of those days. It was wearying and hard and settling down for nap time was no different. What a pleasure it was for me then when our little girl awoke full of smiles, laughter and obedience. The rest of our day went smoothly and it was just a reminder that "this too shall pass."
Wednesday, August 3rd
394) Others' prayers- My headaches and migraines have been giving me a great deal of trouble over the past few weeks and no amount of rest or assistance from Drew has helped. I had already decided it was time to try to get a more thorough check-up and the past weeks have only confirmed that. Needless to say, I was a bit disheartened when I called the doctor's office where I was to be referred and was told that the wait was six-seven weeks. I really didn't know if I, or my family, could make it that long if I didn't see some relief. I had told my family and friends about this delay and I knew they all were praying. What an incredible blessing to call yesterday and be told there was a cancellation and I could get in today. The timing of my call with the new opening in my doctor's schedule was far beyond coincidence, it was the answer to prayers of so many people. Thank you!
Thursday, August 4th
395) Medical Insurance- I have been very blessed to have some form of medical insurance for all but six months of my life. Don't get me wrong: I know there are lots of problems and difficulties when dealing with insurance. I remember the discussions and struggles my parents had when my Dad changed jobs, but they needed to maintain my coverage in order to insure my epilepsy wasn't classified as "pre-existing." I remember weaning myself off all my migraine medicine after college and enduring severe rebound migraines because I was without insurance and could no longer afford prescription medication. Even now we have to go through the correct hoops in just the right order- for both our insurance company and any civilian doctors- to insure any visits or procedures will be covered. Despite the hardships, the rising deductibles we have paid and all the red tape, I am still grateful for medical insurance. There is no way we could afford the medical care we have and continue to receive otherwise, and in times of crisis, insurance can make what could be an astronomical bill more manageable.
Friday, August 5th
396) Creative solutions- Sometimes necessity leads to creativity. When the easy, most obvious method just isn't readily available, I am thankful that I can think a little outside of the box and find another solution.
Saturday, August 6th
397) Our BioPark membership- A few months back, Drew and I decided to become members at the Albuquerque BioPark (which includes the zoo, aquarium, and botanical gardens). It was a wonderful decision and has given us many wonderful days of enjoyment already.
Sunday, August 7th
398) Enjoy my "job"- No I don't work outside the home, but what I do is a good 40 hour a week job all the same. Drew and I have always said that, if possible, we wanted me to be able to stay home when our child(ren) were small. We felt it was important and beneficial, so it has always been something I wanted to do. Now it's more than something I feel compelled to do, it's something I love to do. I love being able to spend time with our little girl, watching her grow, laughing with her when she is silly, and helping to mold her into a loving, respectful, obedient young person. I also enjoy the ability to try new, more time-consuming meals. They are nothing too outlandish, but it's more than I would have done when I was working outside the house. Last- and this will likely show my OCD some- I love a clean house. There is something wonderful about a spotless stainless steel faucet and the feel of freshly swept and mopped floors. I didn't always know if I would be a good person to stay home full-time and sometimes I still have my doubts. No matter what, I love what I do and you can't ask for more than that.
Monday, August 8th
399) Light- In the past thirty-six hours or so, I have heard several comments about darkness versus light. It has only reminded me just how thankful I am for light. I had never really thought about it before. I suppose it's just too much a part of our everyday life, but without light, what a chaotic and difficult life it would be. While this is true in our physical world, there is an even greater spiritual truth. The light, given to us by the Holy Spirit, has the same effect on darkness. I am grateful for everyone who has let their light shine before men, and in doing so, pointed people to Christ. Their light blazes forth in a darkened world and offers hope, peace and joy unlike anything else available in this world.
Tuesday, August 9th
400) Dust Mop- If you haven't caught on yet, I do love a clean house. For a long time, one of my biggest pet peeves was that even after sweeping and mopping, my tiled floors would still feel dirty and gritty. The broom and mop just didn't clean well enough. Then I found a dry/damp dust mop and decided to try it out. Now when I clean my floors, I walk away feeling as though the job has been completed and completed well. Yes, it adds a little more time to my cleaning, but I think the end result is worth it.
Wednesday, August 10th
401) Our daughter's blossoming sense of humor- Over the past few weeks, the word we have most frequently used to describe our daughter is silly and with good reason. She has started to intentionally say the silliest things just to get a smile or laugh. The more we react, the more she continues. It struck me that this is just the beginning of her sense of humor and it is a joy to watch.
Thursday, August 11th
402) Living unafraid- Fear can be paralyzing. I know that personally. I have an uncontrollable phobia of flying insects or any insect that resembles a flying insect. I know how this fear started, and I also know it is irrational. All the same, no matter what I tell myself, I still find myself nearly frozen in fear with a racing heart and rising body temperature thanks to a tiny bug several feet away. Other fears in this life can be far more paralyzing with a far greater impact on our lives. I have a few other fears that I regular combat: some related to my own fortitude, others related to military life and still others stemming from my people-pleasing, perfectionistic mindset. I know these fears exist because at some point or another, I have had to face them and decide "Will I allow my fears to rule my life or will I live by faith?". So far every time I have stepped out in spite of my fears, I have been blessed.
I know only one thing in life to truly be afraid of and that is living a life apart from God.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
The Common- Three Sixty-Six thru Three Eighty-Eight
"No one is like you, O Lord;
you are great, and your name is mighty in power.
Who should not revere you, O King of the nations?
This is your due.
Among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms,
there is no one else like you."
Jeremiah 10:6-7
Wednesday, July 6th
366) Pictures- I was looking through photos of the past two years today as I worked some on our daughter's scrapbook. Often a picture would remind me of one of her special quirks that has faded with age and thus is no longer in the forefront of my memory. It was so much fun to look back and see what a silly, truly unique child she is. Pictures are just things and without them I would still have my memories, but it's still nice to have them to flip through once in a while.
Thursday, July 7th
367) Hotel points- Traveling can be a daunting event, made even more so when you factor in the cost for gas, food and lodging. As we drive to Texas, I am thankful that one of those items has been covered through hotel points. We have been able to break up the drive without adding to our budget and that is pretty incredible.
Friday, July 8th
368) Luggage carts- I never really thought much about luggage carts at hotels. My only connection to them was that they are often shown in movies out front of your nicer hotels, but now that I am a woman alone with a toddler and all our bags and all the assortment, I think about them so much more. A luggage cart turns a two to four trip event into one trip. It also allows me to hold my daughter's hand so she doesn't head off in the wrong direction. All around, it's a huge benefit and blessing.
Saturday, July 9th
369) Choices- We have a lot of choices in life and depending on what and how we choose, they can be both positive and negative. However, no matter what my choice or the resulting outcome, I am grateful that I have been given the freedom of choice. Especially when I consider my faith, I am blessed to know the relationship I have with the Lord comes from free will. God did not force his love or grace on me and that makes his love and grace all the more amazing. I know He has the might and ability to require all humanity to love Him, and if He did, we wouldn't know any other way. However that was not His way. To let us choose is an amazing gift.
Sunday, July 10th
370) Playing in the rain- Albuquerque isn't exactly known for its wealth of precipitation and for our daughter who moved here before her first birthday, she has few memories of rain at all. As with most of the middle portion of our country, we have been experiencing a drought and have gone months without rain. Our daughter had a chance to see rain a few months back, but it was only today that she first had the chance to experience the joy of playing in the rain. I am so glad I was able to be there, splashing, dancing and jumping with her. What a treasured memory!
Monday, July 11th
371) Water- Water is another one of those items in our lives that it is probably quite easy to overlook and take for granted. Just consider all the ways we use and rely on water in our lives: drinking, washing, cooking, feeding plants, staving off illness, recovering from illness, cooling off in heat. Those are just the benefits and uses that immediately came to mind in a minute or so. Water is such a simple, basic substance and one, that for us in particular, is easily accessible in many forms, yet oh, what an amazing gift that not only aids in life itself but also adds to and augments life.
Tuesday, July 12th
372) Sharp knives- My grandmother has always commented on the sharpness of individuals' knives when she is helping out in their kitchen. She never means it in a bad way; she just has a true appreciation for a good sharp knife. Some of her thinking must have rubbed off on me because I see the benefits, ease and safety that is provided through using the correct, sharp knife.
Wednesday, July 13th
373) Great grandparents- I have always felt blessed that I had the chance to know four of my great grandparents. Not only did I know of them, but I had actually spent time with them. Now our daughter has that same opportunity and I think it is wonderful. Our daughter is blessed to not only have five great grandparents but one great, great grandma. She has spent time with them all and I pray she will have many more opportunities for they are truly great and wonderful people to know.
Thursday, July 14th
374) A break-Traveling for me doesn't necessarily equal a vacation as my job has always come with me. :) I'm pretty sure that was in the job description, but still it is nice to get a little break- in one way or another at least every now and then. When I visit family I have been blessed with people who want to help in a variety of ways, from watching our daughter to relieving me of my cooking and laundry duties and so much more. It's a nice little break and something I neither require nor expect- which makes it all the nicer.
Friday, July 15th
375) Timer- In recent months, I have found that I am using timers for a multitude of reasons, but I have found them to be a particular blessing when it comes to our daughter. Although she doesn't understand segments of time, she does recognize that if we set the timer (for one reason or another), there is a definite end to an activity. This realization has helped to eliminate tantrums and frustrations and made for a more pleasant home.
Saturday, July 16th
376) Surprises- Today I was surprised with a birthday in July (instead of December). I really do not know exactly how or when the thought first arose, but some of Drew's family recognized how close my birthday is to Christmas and how easily it gets overshadowed by the holiday and decided to have a special celebration while I was in town. What a surprise! All along I was looking forward to some time with Drew's family and I ended up having a birthday celebration. It was completely unexpected and something I never would have considered asking for myself and that made it all the more special.
Sunday, July 17th
377) Answered prayers- There are lots of times when we need to pray. In fact there is really no time when we shouldn't pray, but I don't believe most of us recognize that need a good portion of the time. I am thankful for those times when I recognize my need for prayer and also see how God has worked in my life and answered my requests, whether as I would hope or otherwise.
Monday, July 18th
378) Anti-itch cream- I don't know exactly what it is, but insects in Texas seem to think I am especially tasty. I have been bit several times and have had some minor allergic reactions to the bites. In the past, I have been bit by plenty of fire ants, but the itch from those bites was nothing compared to what I have been dealing with as of late. I am so thankful that someone thought to figure out a topical method to help alleviate the itch. It could seem a little mundane, but oh- what a pleasant difference it has made for my past few days.
Tuesday, July 19th
379) Step stool- While at Nana's house, our daughter got to use a step stool while she brushed her teeth. I knew it would be a fun, new experience for her, but I never would have guessed it would have improved her interest and concentration in brushing her teeth. She has never done such a good job and I am certain it is because she got to watch herself in the mirror.
Wednesday, July 20th
380) "Jesus Loves Me"- Our daughter has started to repeat familiar phrases from songs that she hears. In the past few days, she has randomly begun to sing (using her own wording, of course) the chorus of "Jesus Loves Me." It has to be one of the sweetest things to hear. I love listening to her sing, no matter what the song, but when I hear her singing such a profound truth that I pray will come to mean the world to her, I can't help but feel blessed.
Thursday, July 21st
381) Automatic Transmission- Our Hyundai is the first automatic transmission vehicle I have ever owned or really driven. I decided that I wanted at least one car to be an automatic as I figured it would make things a little easier when it was just me and our daughter in the car. At least that way, I had one hand that was more free to assist her without an incredible feat of juggling. During our long Texas road trip, I gained another appreciation for automatics. Construction zones and inner-city driving is much easier and it's just one less thing to worry about when you have a tired, fussy girl in the backseat.
Friday, July 22nd
382) Long driving hours- Our trip home from Texas spanned two days, around 900 miles and approximately 16 hours on the road. I found that during all of those miles I had lots of time to think and pray. Filling that time with praises to our Lord, prayers and counting my blessings not only helped make the time go faster, but it also helped me emotionally and spiritually. Nothing like being trapped with your own thoughts to bring out the best, or worst, in you.
Saturday, July 23rd
383) The smell of rain- There is something refreshing about the smell of rain, isn't there? And now that we, along with so many others, have been experiencing an extreme drought the smell offers something even more- hope for some relief and some nourishment for the earth.
Sunday, July 24th
384) My own stubbornness- Usually I would not see this as a beneficial quality. It has often placed me at odds with others and under more stressed than I need to be. However, right now it is truly a blessing. Our little girl has a strong will and a good dose of determination and sometimes, downright stubbornness. As I am the adult (and authority figure) she is around the most, she seems to try to test my authority more, but no matter how determined she may be, she has met her match and finds that obedience is the best choice.
Monday, July 25th
385) A good report- For the first several months of this year, I found myself quite stressed over our daughter's diet. Her pediatrician was concerned about her minimal daily weight gain and decided to more closely monitor it. Although her average daily weight gain did increase early on, it was only slightly. However for the past three months or so, I have not worried about her diet. We have continued to feed her as we have always done and relied on our knowledge that she is healthy. She looks healthy, eats healthy, acts healthy and has been developing normally. We just went in for her 2 year check up and got a glowing report. Her doctor was so impressed with her growth. It was nice to hear and confirmed what we knew all along.
Tuesday, July 26th
386) UV protective clothing- Let me state the obvious by stating that Drew, our daughter and myself are all pale. My tans are lighter than most people's starting point. Sadly, this also means we all burn fairly easily, and this is especially true for Drew and our daughter. This fact has probably been one of the biggest concerns since we moved more than a mile above sea level. People who already burn easily toast at super speeds when they are closer to the sun and the air is thinner. We have been able to find some very light-weight, UV protective shirts for both Drew and our daughter and already we see the difference. Not only does this cut down on every day pain, but it is also protecting them for the long run. There isn't much that beats that!
Wednesday, July 27th
387) Kayak.com- Drew and I are looking at taking a trip for our 5th anniversary and so I have been doing lots of online research- looking for locations, lodging, plane tickets etc. Kayak.com has been most helpful in searching several travel sites at once and providing me with all the information. Saves me time, energy and probably a little bit of sanity.
Thursday, July 28th
388) Walking distance- This morning I had quite a To-Do list that I knew I probably wouldn't be able to completely finish, but I would try my best. The day started with some errands, just a quick trip to the Walmart and grocery store down and around the corner from us, and that is when our whole day changed. On my way out the door, I went to put a pen away in a drawer and grabbed my keys off the counter. As usual, I locked the door knob before heading out then prepared to lock the deadbolt from outside. However when I looked down, I was holding a pen not my keys and my keys were no where on my person. Oh no! I had locked my daughter and I out of the house and Drew wasn't likely to get home for a good 7 hours or so. I pulled out my cell phone to call Drew but before I could leave him a voice message, my phone went dead. So now I was outside with a two year old on a day that was bound to be in the mid to high 90's with no immediate way to contact my husband, who has the only other house key. I tried knocking on a neighbor's door but she wasn't home. And that is when our location in and around many businesses became such a huge blessing. We walked down to the library and I was able to use their phone to leave a message for Drew explaining the situation. A little later, we walked down and around the corner to a McDonald's where we were able to eat, drink lots of fluids and enjoy some cool air. As much as I have always loved the country and living in a place where you have a little more space, I am ever so thankful that today we were in the middle of town, within a reasonable walk to so many places.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
How 365 Blessings Has Changed Me
When I started this blog, I did so because I knew I was allowing minor irritations and temporary situations to affect and ruin my day. All it took was one thing that frustrated or bothered me and I found the entire day was clouded with those feelings. I knew there was more to this life; I knew God had called me to something better and had given me all that I needed. The problem was me. I was focused on the negative and failed to recognize all the amazing and good things I have. So 9 months and 365 blessings later, how have I changed?
(Since I am so good with lists, I guess will just continue the trend.)
Better outlook- 9 months ago I was pretty down. I was frustrated with nearly every aspect of my life and I really did not see any relief in my future. Then I decided to change my focus and intentionally count the blessings in my life. Since then I have seen my outlook improve drastically. I still have those times when things weigh me down, but they are only passing moods instead of the prevailing wind. When I look to the future, I am eager with anticipation because I have great hope for what is yet to come- both in this world and at the end of this world.
Improved mindset and attitude in general- Besides just having a better outlook when it comes to my future, I can see how my overall mindset and attitude has improved. I have to admit that before I began this count, I allowed myself to wallow in self-pity and perceived injustices, and both of those things muddied my thoughts, feelings, attitude and relationships with others. I have learned that my attitude does not have to be dictated by my emotions but is a matter of my will. In the end, it is my choice. I can enjoy the life I have or I can always look for something "greener." Today, I choose to not only enjoy but thank the Lord above for my life.
Handle the ups and downs of life easier and with more grace- When controlled by your emotions, you feel as though you are on a never ending roller coaster, and not one of those kiddie rides, but the all out, lose your stomach rides. That is exactly where I was. I still have that initial knee-jerk reaction to drastic events or changes, but overall I recover quicker and can move forward with more ease.
Do not take my husband for granted- I would like to think that I have never taken Drew for granted, but I know that is not the case. When I was wrapped up in self-pity and despair, I found ways to mentally blame Drew and also failed to recognize his efforts and encouragement that might have lifted my spirits. That just isn't the case now. I know Drew is one of the greatest blessings God has given me, and he is right by my side no matter what may come or how I act.
Closer relationship with Drew- To me, this is just a natural extension and benefit from all the above. Not only did the above help our relationship because I had a better attitude and mindset, but as I was no longer weighed down with the burden of my responsibilities, I was freer to relax and enjoy the time we have together. I cannot speak for Drew, but I can say with all confidence that, for me, the past nine months have been the best months of our married life.
Calmed some of my perfectionism- Anyone who knows me very well knows that I struggle with a need to be perfect. I have been like that for as long as I can remember. It made for a fairly easy childhood as I always wanted my parents to be pleased with me, but as time has gone on, I have found it is more of a struggle to maintain and more detrimental to my well-being. Counting my blessings may be my cure because it is extremely difficult to claim that all you do is perfect when you can see that everything good has come from God.
So, now what? That is the question I have heard the most lately and that is the question I have been asking myself. Do I continue this journey? Do I need to make some changes as I proceed and find that some days the blessings I see are ones I have already counted? Honestly it has been quite a debate for me. Of course as I debated this yesterday, several new blessings came to mind and I knew I was not done yet. Not only do I have so many more blessings that can be counted, but I know that without the journaling, I would likely fall back into old ways. That is something I want to avoid at all costs.
Looking back over my journey of writing about a year's worth of blessings, I can only think to leave it one way.... with a challenge. Whether individually, with a small group, Sunday School class, or group of friends- buy a journal and start writing about your own blessings. Do it for a month or two or perhaps continue for 100 or even 365 blessings, and I know that you will be as blessed by the process as I have been.
(Since I am so good with lists, I guess will just continue the trend.)
Better outlook- 9 months ago I was pretty down. I was frustrated with nearly every aspect of my life and I really did not see any relief in my future. Then I decided to change my focus and intentionally count the blessings in my life. Since then I have seen my outlook improve drastically. I still have those times when things weigh me down, but they are only passing moods instead of the prevailing wind. When I look to the future, I am eager with anticipation because I have great hope for what is yet to come- both in this world and at the end of this world.
Improved mindset and attitude in general- Besides just having a better outlook when it comes to my future, I can see how my overall mindset and attitude has improved. I have to admit that before I began this count, I allowed myself to wallow in self-pity and perceived injustices, and both of those things muddied my thoughts, feelings, attitude and relationships with others. I have learned that my attitude does not have to be dictated by my emotions but is a matter of my will. In the end, it is my choice. I can enjoy the life I have or I can always look for something "greener." Today, I choose to not only enjoy but thank the Lord above for my life.
Handle the ups and downs of life easier and with more grace- When controlled by your emotions, you feel as though you are on a never ending roller coaster, and not one of those kiddie rides, but the all out, lose your stomach rides. That is exactly where I was. I still have that initial knee-jerk reaction to drastic events or changes, but overall I recover quicker and can move forward with more ease.
Do not take my husband for granted- I would like to think that I have never taken Drew for granted, but I know that is not the case. When I was wrapped up in self-pity and despair, I found ways to mentally blame Drew and also failed to recognize his efforts and encouragement that might have lifted my spirits. That just isn't the case now. I know Drew is one of the greatest blessings God has given me, and he is right by my side no matter what may come or how I act.
Closer relationship with Drew- To me, this is just a natural extension and benefit from all the above. Not only did the above help our relationship because I had a better attitude and mindset, but as I was no longer weighed down with the burden of my responsibilities, I was freer to relax and enjoy the time we have together. I cannot speak for Drew, but I can say with all confidence that, for me, the past nine months have been the best months of our married life.
Calmed some of my perfectionism- Anyone who knows me very well knows that I struggle with a need to be perfect. I have been like that for as long as I can remember. It made for a fairly easy childhood as I always wanted my parents to be pleased with me, but as time has gone on, I have found it is more of a struggle to maintain and more detrimental to my well-being. Counting my blessings may be my cure because it is extremely difficult to claim that all you do is perfect when you can see that everything good has come from God.
So, now what? That is the question I have heard the most lately and that is the question I have been asking myself. Do I continue this journey? Do I need to make some changes as I proceed and find that some days the blessings I see are ones I have already counted? Honestly it has been quite a debate for me. Of course as I debated this yesterday, several new blessings came to mind and I knew I was not done yet. Not only do I have so many more blessings that can be counted, but I know that without the journaling, I would likely fall back into old ways. That is something I want to avoid at all costs.
Looking back over my journey of writing about a year's worth of blessings, I can only think to leave it one way.... with a challenge. Whether individually, with a small group, Sunday School class, or group of friends- buy a journal and start writing about your own blessings. Do it for a month or two or perhaps continue for 100 or even 365 blessings, and I know that you will be as blessed by the process as I have been.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Every Day of The Year- Three Forty-Eight thru Three Sixty-Five
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1: 9-11
Monday, June 20th
348) An outdoor grill- First of all, don't you just love the taste and flavor of grilled food? Meat, vegetables, fruit, marshmallows... they all are so yummy straight off the grill, but I do have another reason for counting a grill as a blessing. The temperatures in Albuquerque are on the rise; the storm clouds are rolling in- bringing some additional humidity but, as of yet, no rain for this side of the mountain. It's getting hot and while our swamp cooler does a wonderful job taking the edge off, it just can't stand up to the outside heat plus heat from an oven/stove. So not only do I enjoy the tastiness of grilled food, but the grill also provides us with an excellent way to cook our food without heating up the house. Double blessings!
Tuesday, June 21st
349) Polite words- Please, thank you, excuse me, I'm sorry- such simple, little words and yet what a huge impact they can have.
Wednesday, June 22nd
350) A balloon catcher- Today was a morning of errand running. I knew it would be hard on our daughter, but there was no getting around it. Needless to say, it was a wonderful surprise when an employee gave our little girl a balloon at the first store we visited. That balloon kept her entertained for the next few hours as we continued our shopping. At the very last store, She lost hold of the balloon at the cash registers and we watched as it drifted up to the ceiling. The balloon had a long string on it, but it was just beyond my reach. A lady and her son noticed what happened and the next time I turned around, this little boy (probably around five years old) was handing the balloon back to our daughter. With the help of his mother, they had reached the string and retrieved the balloon. They didn't have to do that, and that is what made it so special and sweet.
Thursday, June 23rd
351) Fellow at-home cake decorators- As I really start the work on our daughter's birthday cake, I am so thankful for the guidance, encouragement and materials from other at-home cake decorators. Their insight and support has given me confidence that I can bring my vision to fruition.
Friday, June 24th
352) Two years- Two years ago, a little girl came into this world, and for two years, she has been a blessing to our little family and many others. Two years is a short time but in that time, she has made such an impact. She is smiles, laughter, joy, silliness, curiosity, spunk, sweetness, and love. How blessed we are to have her in our lives. Happy birthday, darling girl!
353) Two years ago- It's hard to celebrate our daughter's birthday without thinking back to the day of her birth and all the events that led up to it. Those events and the timing of it all is a blessing I still carry with me. I lived with my parents from the fifth month of my pregnancy until two weeks after our daughter was born because of Drew's training schedule and the dilemmas it could pose for my delivery. Drew was scheduled to complete one training on the 13th of June and had to report to his next station by the morning of the 27th. I wasn't due until the 30th. All of that meant that Drew would only be with me for two weeks- week 38 and 39 of my pregnancy- and there weren't too many who expected I would naturally go into labor before my due date. We may not have expected it, but there were several who were praying for just that to happen. I am so thankful that Drew had the chance to be there for the labor, delivery and trip "home" with the newest member of our family. We had some time together as a family of three from the very beginning and that was and remains a blessing!
Saturday, June 25th
354) Celebrations- We had a little birthday party for our daughter tonight. Looking back on this party, I can say it was a perfect celebration, not because it went perfectly but because it's not the details of the party that make it special; it's the reason for the party and she is awfully special. I may not have walked away from the party looking like the perfect planner or hostess. We may have had decor that couldn't withstand the withering heat or wind gusts. There may have been some undercooked- then overcooked- brats, some delays, some unexpected mishaps and some ice cream that more closely resembled a shake, but, in the end, that's not what I will remember. I will remember that we shared with friends and family in order to celebrate our daughter's second birthday. I will remember the fun and excitement our little girl had leading up to and during her party. I will remember the very blessing of these years with our daughter and this time with some of the people who love her and want to help us celebrate her life. No matter what comedy of errors may happen, I hope I always remember to cherish the celebrations in our life for they are a reminder of the good and many blessings God has given us.
Sunday, June 26th
355) Grass- Have you ever thought about all the things grass does? Grass is green and lush, bringing some of the first signs of spring and the renewing of our natural world. Grass carpets a harder surface, providing us with a soft place to land, sit and/or play, and grass holds down that earth thereby helping to eliminate erosion and dust storms. I have always appreciated grass for its greenness and all that represented, but now I also see what a common, everyday blessing it is.
Monday, June 27th
356) Vacuum attachments- While I have always liked having vacuum attachments to help clean the furniture and edges of the room, I have found a new appreciation. Vacuum attachments help me with my bug phobia. They have provided me with at least a little freedom from depending on Drew to clean up dead insects. With their help, I can stay at arm's length and still take care of encroaching bugs.
Tuesday, June 28th
357) Swamp cooler- After living in houses with air conditioning (refrigerated air), last summer with only a swamp cooler seemed terrible. As the temperatures rose, it just didn't seem like the swamp cooler helped much at all. However this year, I am noticing just how much I appreciate our swamp cooler. After spending a morning in 90+ degrees, It's wonderful to come home to a cooler house.
Wednesday, June 29th
358) Similarities- There are some moments and situations where I am just not looking for advice or answers; I just want someone who can empathize and understand. Best of all is when that person understands because they have "been there, done that" and are living proof that you will make it through as well. That's what I needed today and that is exactly what the Lord provided! Thank you, my friend, for listening, understanding and sharing your own similar experiences.
Thursday, June 30th
359) Collision of events- As our daughter has gotten older and more independent, I have questioned myself more and more. Parenting is such a huge responsibility, and the thought of facing that challenge- in the years to come- alone and in an unfamiliar place because of our military life left me with lots of doubts. Could I really do the job of an Army wife and mother? Did I have the inner strength?
After this week, I have more of an answer. Drew has been away for a training, something that if fairly rare for a platoon that is on secondary. Added to that is the fact that it would seem when our little daughter woke up on her second birthday, a "two year old" switch was flipped. Her strong-will, curiosity, independence and mischievousness has ramped up a good two or three notches from anything we have experienced thus far. I felt overwhelmed by some daunting challenges that all collided this week, and when put together, I found myself in uncharted, unfamiliar waters. However time has passed and as I look back on the week, I have an appreciation for all I have experienced and more confidence for all that lies ahead for me. This journey, as mother and Army wife, will be physically, emotionally and mentally challenging at times, but I have confidence that I can do it- not through my own strength but by relying on the Lord. That confidence is a blessing and the events that led to it are a gift from God.
Friday, July 1st
360) The big picture- Sometimes I get bogged down with the little details or the hard moments in my day and I can forget the bigger picture. Our little two year old is a sweet, loving, fairly obedient child; she also is very curious, quite independent and strong-willed. These days its this second set of traits that leads to trouble, particularly her strong will. Lately we have experienced a few times when our sweet little girl decides to "dig in her heels" and tries to exert her will over ours, no matter what the consequences. We have used a variety of disciplinary and corrective measures, but in these few situations, she seems unphased. In these moments, I can feel like I am failing as a mother, but it is also in these moments that I most need to remember the big picture. Our little girl has a very sweet, loving, obedient disposition more times than not and that didn't just happen by accident. We still have a long ways to go, but we are on a good path.
Saturday, July 2nd
361) Hugging Daddy- Drew came home today after being away for training for the past week. Our little girl was at the door to greet him as he walked inside. Seconds later, she was in his arms, hugging him with all her might. As I watched, I was nearly overcome with emotions; it was such a wonderful thing to behold.
Sunday, July 3rd
362) A little hand to hold- As our daughter and I walked along the sidewalk the other day, I looked down and saw her little hand nestled in mine. It was a beautiful and sweet sight. There may come a day when it's embarrassing for her to hold her mother's hand, but for now, she loves it and so do I.
Monday, July 4th
363) Freedom- On this Fourth of July, my thoughts are taken to a few summers past when I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Romania. On that trip, I saw a very different society and had the chance to hear first hand what it was like to be a Christian in a Communist country. Although Communism had fallen, many whom I served alongside were old enough to remember the ostracism, shame and hardships they faced during its reign. My eyes were opened then to what a privilege and blessing it is to live in a country where the freedoms and rights of an individual take precedence. I could merely list some of our freedoms: religion, speech, right to assembly, right to bear arms, but that doesn't really do justice to all the freedoms, and the subsequent side effects, we have been granted in this country. No matter how you look at it, we, who live in this country, are truly blessed with the freedoms and rights accounted to us in the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
That is not the only freedom I celebrate on this date. Eighteen years ago, I received an even greater freedom- one that transcends this world and gave me a freedom I could never earn, achieve or otherwise possess. On this date, I was given the ultimate freedom, freedom from the guilt of my sins, the punishment for those sins and an eternity apart from God. "He whom the Son sets free is free indeed." John 8:36
Happy Independence Day!!
Tuesday, July 5th
364) Food varieties- I love trying new foods so when we move to a new location, I do look forward to tasting the local cuisine. New Mexico definitely has their own flair and today I found a new food favorite- calbacitas. Yum! This is one vegetable side dish that will be on our dinner table even after we have moved again. It's just another reminder of the blessings that can come from the Army life- not only do I meet lots of interesting, caring, amazing people, but I also get to learn about new foods and take the recipes with me!
365) Counting my blessings- I now have one blessing for every day of the year. I never thought I would make it this far as I have never been very faithful with journaling, etc. However as I look back, I can rightly proclaim that this process, this concerted effort to count and recognize the daily blessings in my life, has blessed me in incredible ways. I am thankful that I didn't give up or tire of the effort but have pushed on and seen so much of what the Lord has done for me, my family and this world. I am truly blessed beyond belief!
Monday, June 20th
348) An outdoor grill- First of all, don't you just love the taste and flavor of grilled food? Meat, vegetables, fruit, marshmallows... they all are so yummy straight off the grill, but I do have another reason for counting a grill as a blessing. The temperatures in Albuquerque are on the rise; the storm clouds are rolling in- bringing some additional humidity but, as of yet, no rain for this side of the mountain. It's getting hot and while our swamp cooler does a wonderful job taking the edge off, it just can't stand up to the outside heat plus heat from an oven/stove. So not only do I enjoy the tastiness of grilled food, but the grill also provides us with an excellent way to cook our food without heating up the house. Double blessings!
Tuesday, June 21st
349) Polite words- Please, thank you, excuse me, I'm sorry- such simple, little words and yet what a huge impact they can have.
Wednesday, June 22nd
350) A balloon catcher- Today was a morning of errand running. I knew it would be hard on our daughter, but there was no getting around it. Needless to say, it was a wonderful surprise when an employee gave our little girl a balloon at the first store we visited. That balloon kept her entertained for the next few hours as we continued our shopping. At the very last store, She lost hold of the balloon at the cash registers and we watched as it drifted up to the ceiling. The balloon had a long string on it, but it was just beyond my reach. A lady and her son noticed what happened and the next time I turned around, this little boy (probably around five years old) was handing the balloon back to our daughter. With the help of his mother, they had reached the string and retrieved the balloon. They didn't have to do that, and that is what made it so special and sweet.
Thursday, June 23rd
351) Fellow at-home cake decorators- As I really start the work on our daughter's birthday cake, I am so thankful for the guidance, encouragement and materials from other at-home cake decorators. Their insight and support has given me confidence that I can bring my vision to fruition.
Friday, June 24th
352) Two years- Two years ago, a little girl came into this world, and for two years, she has been a blessing to our little family and many others. Two years is a short time but in that time, she has made such an impact. She is smiles, laughter, joy, silliness, curiosity, spunk, sweetness, and love. How blessed we are to have her in our lives. Happy birthday, darling girl!
353) Two years ago- It's hard to celebrate our daughter's birthday without thinking back to the day of her birth and all the events that led up to it. Those events and the timing of it all is a blessing I still carry with me. I lived with my parents from the fifth month of my pregnancy until two weeks after our daughter was born because of Drew's training schedule and the dilemmas it could pose for my delivery. Drew was scheduled to complete one training on the 13th of June and had to report to his next station by the morning of the 27th. I wasn't due until the 30th. All of that meant that Drew would only be with me for two weeks- week 38 and 39 of my pregnancy- and there weren't too many who expected I would naturally go into labor before my due date. We may not have expected it, but there were several who were praying for just that to happen. I am so thankful that Drew had the chance to be there for the labor, delivery and trip "home" with the newest member of our family. We had some time together as a family of three from the very beginning and that was and remains a blessing!
Saturday, June 25th
354) Celebrations- We had a little birthday party for our daughter tonight. Looking back on this party, I can say it was a perfect celebration, not because it went perfectly but because it's not the details of the party that make it special; it's the reason for the party and she is awfully special. I may not have walked away from the party looking like the perfect planner or hostess. We may have had decor that couldn't withstand the withering heat or wind gusts. There may have been some undercooked- then overcooked- brats, some delays, some unexpected mishaps and some ice cream that more closely resembled a shake, but, in the end, that's not what I will remember. I will remember that we shared with friends and family in order to celebrate our daughter's second birthday. I will remember the fun and excitement our little girl had leading up to and during her party. I will remember the very blessing of these years with our daughter and this time with some of the people who love her and want to help us celebrate her life. No matter what comedy of errors may happen, I hope I always remember to cherish the celebrations in our life for they are a reminder of the good and many blessings God has given us.
Sunday, June 26th
355) Grass- Have you ever thought about all the things grass does? Grass is green and lush, bringing some of the first signs of spring and the renewing of our natural world. Grass carpets a harder surface, providing us with a soft place to land, sit and/or play, and grass holds down that earth thereby helping to eliminate erosion and dust storms. I have always appreciated grass for its greenness and all that represented, but now I also see what a common, everyday blessing it is.
Monday, June 27th
356) Vacuum attachments- While I have always liked having vacuum attachments to help clean the furniture and edges of the room, I have found a new appreciation. Vacuum attachments help me with my bug phobia. They have provided me with at least a little freedom from depending on Drew to clean up dead insects. With their help, I can stay at arm's length and still take care of encroaching bugs.
Tuesday, June 28th
357) Swamp cooler- After living in houses with air conditioning (refrigerated air), last summer with only a swamp cooler seemed terrible. As the temperatures rose, it just didn't seem like the swamp cooler helped much at all. However this year, I am noticing just how much I appreciate our swamp cooler. After spending a morning in 90+ degrees, It's wonderful to come home to a cooler house.
Wednesday, June 29th
358) Similarities- There are some moments and situations where I am just not looking for advice or answers; I just want someone who can empathize and understand. Best of all is when that person understands because they have "been there, done that" and are living proof that you will make it through as well. That's what I needed today and that is exactly what the Lord provided! Thank you, my friend, for listening, understanding and sharing your own similar experiences.
Thursday, June 30th
359) Collision of events- As our daughter has gotten older and more independent, I have questioned myself more and more. Parenting is such a huge responsibility, and the thought of facing that challenge- in the years to come- alone and in an unfamiliar place because of our military life left me with lots of doubts. Could I really do the job of an Army wife and mother? Did I have the inner strength?
After this week, I have more of an answer. Drew has been away for a training, something that if fairly rare for a platoon that is on secondary. Added to that is the fact that it would seem when our little daughter woke up on her second birthday, a "two year old" switch was flipped. Her strong-will, curiosity, independence and mischievousness has ramped up a good two or three notches from anything we have experienced thus far. I felt overwhelmed by some daunting challenges that all collided this week, and when put together, I found myself in uncharted, unfamiliar waters. However time has passed and as I look back on the week, I have an appreciation for all I have experienced and more confidence for all that lies ahead for me. This journey, as mother and Army wife, will be physically, emotionally and mentally challenging at times, but I have confidence that I can do it- not through my own strength but by relying on the Lord. That confidence is a blessing and the events that led to it are a gift from God.
Friday, July 1st
360) The big picture- Sometimes I get bogged down with the little details or the hard moments in my day and I can forget the bigger picture. Our little two year old is a sweet, loving, fairly obedient child; she also is very curious, quite independent and strong-willed. These days its this second set of traits that leads to trouble, particularly her strong will. Lately we have experienced a few times when our sweet little girl decides to "dig in her heels" and tries to exert her will over ours, no matter what the consequences. We have used a variety of disciplinary and corrective measures, but in these few situations, she seems unphased. In these moments, I can feel like I am failing as a mother, but it is also in these moments that I most need to remember the big picture. Our little girl has a very sweet, loving, obedient disposition more times than not and that didn't just happen by accident. We still have a long ways to go, but we are on a good path.
Saturday, July 2nd
361) Hugging Daddy- Drew came home today after being away for training for the past week. Our little girl was at the door to greet him as he walked inside. Seconds later, she was in his arms, hugging him with all her might. As I watched, I was nearly overcome with emotions; it was such a wonderful thing to behold.
Sunday, July 3rd
362) A little hand to hold- As our daughter and I walked along the sidewalk the other day, I looked down and saw her little hand nestled in mine. It was a beautiful and sweet sight. There may come a day when it's embarrassing for her to hold her mother's hand, but for now, she loves it and so do I.
Monday, July 4th
363) Freedom- On this Fourth of July, my thoughts are taken to a few summers past when I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Romania. On that trip, I saw a very different society and had the chance to hear first hand what it was like to be a Christian in a Communist country. Although Communism had fallen, many whom I served alongside were old enough to remember the ostracism, shame and hardships they faced during its reign. My eyes were opened then to what a privilege and blessing it is to live in a country where the freedoms and rights of an individual take precedence. I could merely list some of our freedoms: religion, speech, right to assembly, right to bear arms, but that doesn't really do justice to all the freedoms, and the subsequent side effects, we have been granted in this country. No matter how you look at it, we, who live in this country, are truly blessed with the freedoms and rights accounted to us in the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
That is not the only freedom I celebrate on this date. Eighteen years ago, I received an even greater freedom- one that transcends this world and gave me a freedom I could never earn, achieve or otherwise possess. On this date, I was given the ultimate freedom, freedom from the guilt of my sins, the punishment for those sins and an eternity apart from God. "He whom the Son sets free is free indeed." John 8:36
Happy Independence Day!!
Tuesday, July 5th
364) Food varieties- I love trying new foods so when we move to a new location, I do look forward to tasting the local cuisine. New Mexico definitely has their own flair and today I found a new food favorite- calbacitas. Yum! This is one vegetable side dish that will be on our dinner table even after we have moved again. It's just another reminder of the blessings that can come from the Army life- not only do I meet lots of interesting, caring, amazing people, but I also get to learn about new foods and take the recipes with me!
365) Counting my blessings- I now have one blessing for every day of the year. I never thought I would make it this far as I have never been very faithful with journaling, etc. However as I look back, I can rightly proclaim that this process, this concerted effort to count and recognize the daily blessings in my life, has blessed me in incredible ways. I am thankful that I didn't give up or tire of the effort but have pushed on and seen so much of what the Lord has done for me, my family and this world. I am truly blessed beyond belief!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Good Men, Great Father- Three Forty thru Three Forty-Seven
"My son keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck.
When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.
For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way of life."
Proverbs 6:20-23
Sunday, June 12th
340) Partnership- Many people are married, but not all of those married couples are partners. I am blessed to have a partner in Drew. It is wonderful to know that I have this amazing man working along side me towards a common goal. Not only that, but I am blessed through this partnership as we support and strengthen each other, complementing those areas where each other is weak.
Monday, June 13th
341) Try and try again- There are certain activities in my life that have become more difficult with a child. I have been searching for ways to make my motherhood work with one such activity, but I have really struggled this last year to find the right fit. It would have been easy to give up and say I just need to focus on being a mother and Army wife, but I couldn't give up. It was too important to me, and today I see the beginning of something that may just lead to the perfect niche. What a blessing to have the perseverance and drive to try and try again.
Tuesday, June 14th
342) Learning from a child- I have often heard that we could learn a lot about faith by watching the faith of children. In fact, people often use Matthew 19:14 "Jesus said, ' Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" to encourage people to have a more child-like faith. I cannot disagree; we can learn so much about unconditional love and faith from little children, but there are other things they can show us as well. Today our little girl reminded me of that clearly. Now, we all have our days when we choose to take the hard route. Some of us have a string of hard days while toddlers seem to almost ask for them as they test out their new independence and mobility. Today was one such day for our daughter, but she didn't just want to take the harder road. She pushed the limits as far and as often as she could and took the hardest possible route I could imagine given the situation. The opportunities to become frustrated and lose my patience with this little one were many, but as I worked with her, I thought, "How often have I chosen my own defiant, independent, blind path instead of waiting for the Lord and obediently submitting to his good and perfect will?" The answer.... far too often and far too recently for my comfort. Yet, the Lord continues to show me unconditional love, patience and forgiveness while remaining just and providing me with the discipline I need. What a beautiful lesson! Not only does God's treatment to me provide a wonderful example as I work with our little toddler, but it is another sign of God's multitude of blessings to this stubborn, independent little girl (and I am referring to me).
Wednesday, June 15th
343) Holy, awe-inspiring fear- In recent weeks, I have heard discussions and talk about whether or not there is any room for fear in a relationship with the Lord. I cannot speak for anyone else, but for me, my fear of the Lord has been pivotal. Fear of the Lord led me to the feet of Christ, has held me in awe and wonder, and reminds me of what an awesome, powerful, just God I serve. After doing a quick look into what the Bible says about the fear of the Lord, I have a hard time understanding the opposition to the idea of fearing the Lord. The Bible teaches that fear of the Lord brings us peace, encouragement, wisdom, the Lord's confidence, the treasures of surety and salvation, and blessings.
1 Samuel 12:14-"If you fear the Lord and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the Lord your God- good!"
Psalm 25:12-14-"Who then is the man that fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them."
Psalm 128:1-4-"Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. Thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord."
Proverbs 1:7-"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."
Proverbs 14:26-27-"He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death."
Isaiah 33:5-6- "The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure."
Acts 9:31-"Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord."
The Lord's power, might, justice and holiness should cause us all to tremble- for who could ever claim innocence in the court of the Lord if it were not for Christ?
Revelation 15:2b-4-"They held harps given them by God and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb: 'Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.'"
Thursday, June 16th
344) The right way- Not everything has a right and a wrong way to do things. Sometimes it is all a matter of opinion, but there are some activities and situations where there is a very clear and unmistakable right and wrong way. Just because a way may be wrong doesn't mean you cannot still accomplish your goal, but the process and results may not be as ideal. My recent endeavors in crocheting has perfectly illustrated this point to me. I made several items using the wrong method. Everything still turned out fine. Most likely no one would be able to tell I did it the wrong way, but it was a laborious and long task with some inconsistencies and flaws in the final product. My latest project has been completed the right way. What a breath of fresh air! The entire process has been enjoyable and gone so quickly, and the product shows no flaws at this point. If this is true with something as trivial as crocheting, just think of the impact on truly serious matters in life. We may be able to pursue things our own way- even if it is the wrong way to do things- but we are blessed when we go about things the right way, even when the way seems more difficult.
Friday, June 17th
345) A patient, understanding husband- One of the nasty side-effects of my migraines is that I often lose my internal check system- especially as it relates to my tongue. I find that I less frequently screen my thoughts before I speak and therefore say things I immediately regret. I have also noticed that I do not have as much control over my intonation. Both of these lead to some unfortunate comments to Drew, who is always so patient and understanding. He may point it out to me, but he is always willing to forgive. I wish it didn't happen and I do try to keep things in check, but I am thankful and blessed for his response.
Saturday, June 18th
346) Prophecies of destruction- "The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and maintains his wrath against his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger and great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebukes the sea and dries it up; he makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither and the blossoms of Lebanon fade. The mountains quake before him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it. Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him.
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Ninevah; he will pursue his foes into darkness." Nahum 1:2-8
Over the years as I have read parts of the Bible, I typically skip over the parts about doom and destruction. Not because I do not believe in it, am afraid of it or feel it is incongruous with who God is. I just never really knew what to take away from those passages. In our Sunday school class, we have been looking at the books of the Bible, studying one book each week to gain an understanding of its contents and how they can be applied to us. For the past several Sundays, we have been looking at the major and minor prophets. There has been no chance to avoid the passages of doom and destruction. Over the weeks though, I have found peace and joy in these passages. For those who are true believers in Christ- who follow His will and commands- these passages are not frightening but a reminder of who God is. God is in control. God is forgiving, patient and abounding in love and grace. God is mighty and all-powerful. God has the final say. God is just and in the end He will make all things right. God remembers the faithful.
Sunday, June 19th
347) Godly fathers- There are lots of good dads out there. These men give of their time, energy, resources, knowledge and love for their children. They work hard to provide for their family, play with their kids, sacrifice personal wants for their family, teach their children about responsibility, hard work, respect, compassion, and so much more. In general, they are present, involved fathers who take their job seriously, and their children are blessed because of it. Out of these good dads, there is a sub-group; these are the Godly fathers. These men focus not only on the welfare and knowledge needed for this world, but they are thinking about eternity. These men pray for their children, introduce their children to the Lord, encourage faith, spread love, and train their "children in the way they should go" (Proverbs 22:6). These fathers not only teach their children about love, faith and a relationship with the Lord, but they also exemplify this through their own daily lives. I am blessed to know several of these Godly fathers and I am thankful for each and every one of them. To all of you Godly fathers out there- my grandfathers, my dad, my husband and the countless other men of God- thank you. You have blessed your children and grandchildren immeasurably.
Happy Father's Day!
"The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him." Proverbs 20:7
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Clouds of Comfort: Three Thirty-One thru Three Thirty-Nine
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Sunday, June 5th
331) Working joints- So I'm not really that old, but I do deal with pain and stiffness in some of my joints- particularly my ankles and hip. For about the past five years, I have been able to count on the fact that as the weather got colder, my hip joints would start to complain- leaving me with a slight limp and troubled nights through most of the winter. I've learned how to cope, what I can do to lessen the pain and how to handle the days when nothing helps. Lately though, the pain and stiffness has started to occur even in the warm months. It may well be due to the fact that I carry a twenty-five pound child fairly regularly which is extra weight that is not evenly distributed, but no matter the cause, it's a new and unfavorable change. Still despite these changes, I am blessed that my joints are still working and do not continually give me troubles. I may have my days, but there are so many people who are troubled by sore and stiff joints daily, possibly even every moment of the day. I might have my aches and pains, but it only reminds me of the preponderance of days I am blessed with working, pain-free joints.
Monday, June 6th
332) Video game hobby- My husband enjoys playing video games and can quite easily sit and play them for several hours on a weekend night. I must admit that during the first year of our marriage, this fact didn't always sit well with me. I wanted the weekends to be a time for the two of us and couldn't understand why he would rather play a game on the computer than spend time with me. With time though I have come to realize that the video games never come before his family and they are a wonderful source of relaxation for him. There are so many other activities and things he could be doing, which could be dangerous for him or damaging to our relationship, that I suddenly see that in their own way, video games are a blessing.
Tuesday, June 7th
333) Vegan diet- We are not vegans- not even remotely. My husband loves his meat and we both enjoy a wide variety of dairy products. However as I have been on the hunt for dairy-free, soy-free cake and frosting recipes for our daughter's upcoming birthday, I have found that many of the recipes that may work are vegan. Last week I tried out a vegan buttercream which was so good that this week I used it again but added cocoa. It is delicious and no one would know it was not traditional buttercream (except real gourmands). Our daughter is looking forward to her birthday cake and if it weren't for the vegan diet and vegan recipes, I might not be able to make it for her.
Wednesday, June 8th
334) Sunglasses- I haven't worn sunglasses for nearly a year, so when I finally was able to wear them again, I certainly noticed the difference. With sunglasses, I can better enjoy the outdoors and do not walk away with a headache. Sunglasses have also protected Drew's eyes which have always been quite sensitive to the sun and now protect our daughter's as well. My whole family is blessed to own and use sunglasses and I am truly thankful for them.
Thursday, June 9th
335) Comforted - All week long, the city of Albuquerque has been shrouded in a layer of smoke and ash that has been carried east on winds coming from the Arizona wildfire. While it is noticeable all day, the smoke really settles in as dusk approaches and it is almost an eerie thing to experience. The sky is an orangeish-gray hue. The sun turns orange and then is blotted out. The mountains just a few miles to our east disappear completely under a blanket of smoke, and on the street you can see swirls of ash and smell something burning. The whole thing has me thankful for the comfort of the indoors and has left me wandering what it must be like in Arizona near the fires. I cannot imagine how terrifying it could be if you add heat and visible flames licking at the skyline. Could this be a small glimpse of what hell might be like? Only hell will be infinitely worse with more terrible consequences. For at least here, we know that God is with us if we will but turn to Him. An eternity in hell does not offer the same comfort. I am thankful for that comfort now, the comfort I have when I think of eternity and the opportunity to spend it forever in His presence.
336) Clean air- Of course I realize that this phrase is relative; we all have a certain standard for what we consider "clean air." However after experiencing sand storms and now clouds of ash that settle around us, I appreciate air that doesn't send grit into my eyes and mouth or leave residue all over myself and everything else outside. What a blessing to be able to see blue skies, fluffy white clouds and all the beauty that surrounds us... thanks to clean air.
Friday, June 10th
337) Polite drivers- In the past few years, I have felt as though each new place we have lived has introduced us to a new group of crazy drivers, but nothing in the past compares to what Drew and I have witnessed and experienced since coming to Albuquerque. I have seen absolutely flagrant disregard for the rules of the road and disrespect for other drivers with whom we all share the road. Not only is there disregard and disrespect, but these drivers endanger the lives and property of everyone around them through the reckless and dangerous actions they are taking. We all occasionally miss something when we drive, but due to the frequency, we have been led to believe there is more at work than just an occasional absent-mindedness on the part of at least some of these drivers. Don't get me wrong: not all drivers in Albuquerque are like this, but this city does have more than its fair share. Not a trip goes by when I do not thank God for our safe return to our house and the kindness and consideration of the polite drivers with whom I do share the road. When you really consider the kind of harm that can come from impolite and disrespectful drivers, you quickly realize what a blessing polite drivers are.
338) A good hairdresser- One thing I never really considered when we first began life in the military would be the need to frequently find a new hairdresser. Every time we move, I let my hair grow out for a while because I fear going to someone who is inexperienced or unfamiliar with extremely thick hair; the outcome can be yucky. Today however, I found a wonderful hairdresser. She seems to really understand how to work with my hair and I came out with just the hairstyle I wanted and nothing to complain about. On top of that, her prices are reasonable. For me, that is truly a blessing.
Saturday, June 11th
339) Longer naps- For a couple of months now, our daughter's sleeping routine has been less than desirable. She was up before 6:15am each morning and took only an hour and a half (tops) nap each day. None of our attempts to lengthen her sleep at night or during the day seemed to help. She showed the signs of a tired baby every day which was wearing and frustrating. For the past week, our little girl has still been awaking early, but has begun to take three to three and half hour naps. What a difference this has made! We have a happier child, a happier mother and a happier home in general.
Sunday, June 5th
331) Working joints- So I'm not really that old, but I do deal with pain and stiffness in some of my joints- particularly my ankles and hip. For about the past five years, I have been able to count on the fact that as the weather got colder, my hip joints would start to complain- leaving me with a slight limp and troubled nights through most of the winter. I've learned how to cope, what I can do to lessen the pain and how to handle the days when nothing helps. Lately though, the pain and stiffness has started to occur even in the warm months. It may well be due to the fact that I carry a twenty-five pound child fairly regularly which is extra weight that is not evenly distributed, but no matter the cause, it's a new and unfavorable change. Still despite these changes, I am blessed that my joints are still working and do not continually give me troubles. I may have my days, but there are so many people who are troubled by sore and stiff joints daily, possibly even every moment of the day. I might have my aches and pains, but it only reminds me of the preponderance of days I am blessed with working, pain-free joints.
Monday, June 6th
332) Video game hobby- My husband enjoys playing video games and can quite easily sit and play them for several hours on a weekend night. I must admit that during the first year of our marriage, this fact didn't always sit well with me. I wanted the weekends to be a time for the two of us and couldn't understand why he would rather play a game on the computer than spend time with me. With time though I have come to realize that the video games never come before his family and they are a wonderful source of relaxation for him. There are so many other activities and things he could be doing, which could be dangerous for him or damaging to our relationship, that I suddenly see that in their own way, video games are a blessing.
Tuesday, June 7th
333) Vegan diet- We are not vegans- not even remotely. My husband loves his meat and we both enjoy a wide variety of dairy products. However as I have been on the hunt for dairy-free, soy-free cake and frosting recipes for our daughter's upcoming birthday, I have found that many of the recipes that may work are vegan. Last week I tried out a vegan buttercream which was so good that this week I used it again but added cocoa. It is delicious and no one would know it was not traditional buttercream (except real gourmands). Our daughter is looking forward to her birthday cake and if it weren't for the vegan diet and vegan recipes, I might not be able to make it for her.
Wednesday, June 8th
334) Sunglasses- I haven't worn sunglasses for nearly a year, so when I finally was able to wear them again, I certainly noticed the difference. With sunglasses, I can better enjoy the outdoors and do not walk away with a headache. Sunglasses have also protected Drew's eyes which have always been quite sensitive to the sun and now protect our daughter's as well. My whole family is blessed to own and use sunglasses and I am truly thankful for them.
Thursday, June 9th
335) Comforted - All week long, the city of Albuquerque has been shrouded in a layer of smoke and ash that has been carried east on winds coming from the Arizona wildfire. While it is noticeable all day, the smoke really settles in as dusk approaches and it is almost an eerie thing to experience. The sky is an orangeish-gray hue. The sun turns orange and then is blotted out. The mountains just a few miles to our east disappear completely under a blanket of smoke, and on the street you can see swirls of ash and smell something burning. The whole thing has me thankful for the comfort of the indoors and has left me wandering what it must be like in Arizona near the fires. I cannot imagine how terrifying it could be if you add heat and visible flames licking at the skyline. Could this be a small glimpse of what hell might be like? Only hell will be infinitely worse with more terrible consequences. For at least here, we know that God is with us if we will but turn to Him. An eternity in hell does not offer the same comfort. I am thankful for that comfort now, the comfort I have when I think of eternity and the opportunity to spend it forever in His presence.
336) Clean air- Of course I realize that this phrase is relative; we all have a certain standard for what we consider "clean air." However after experiencing sand storms and now clouds of ash that settle around us, I appreciate air that doesn't send grit into my eyes and mouth or leave residue all over myself and everything else outside. What a blessing to be able to see blue skies, fluffy white clouds and all the beauty that surrounds us... thanks to clean air.
Friday, June 10th
337) Polite drivers- In the past few years, I have felt as though each new place we have lived has introduced us to a new group of crazy drivers, but nothing in the past compares to what Drew and I have witnessed and experienced since coming to Albuquerque. I have seen absolutely flagrant disregard for the rules of the road and disrespect for other drivers with whom we all share the road. Not only is there disregard and disrespect, but these drivers endanger the lives and property of everyone around them through the reckless and dangerous actions they are taking. We all occasionally miss something when we drive, but due to the frequency, we have been led to believe there is more at work than just an occasional absent-mindedness on the part of at least some of these drivers. Don't get me wrong: not all drivers in Albuquerque are like this, but this city does have more than its fair share. Not a trip goes by when I do not thank God for our safe return to our house and the kindness and consideration of the polite drivers with whom I do share the road. When you really consider the kind of harm that can come from impolite and disrespectful drivers, you quickly realize what a blessing polite drivers are.
338) A good hairdresser- One thing I never really considered when we first began life in the military would be the need to frequently find a new hairdresser. Every time we move, I let my hair grow out for a while because I fear going to someone who is inexperienced or unfamiliar with extremely thick hair; the outcome can be yucky. Today however, I found a wonderful hairdresser. She seems to really understand how to work with my hair and I came out with just the hairstyle I wanted and nothing to complain about. On top of that, her prices are reasonable. For me, that is truly a blessing.
Saturday, June 11th
339) Longer naps- For a couple of months now, our daughter's sleeping routine has been less than desirable. She was up before 6:15am each morning and took only an hour and a half (tops) nap each day. None of our attempts to lengthen her sleep at night or during the day seemed to help. She showed the signs of a tired baby every day which was wearing and frustrating. For the past week, our little girl has still been awaking early, but has begun to take three to three and half hour naps. What a difference this has made! We have a happier child, a happier mother and a happier home in general.
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