OUCH!

I don't know about you, but I love the ways God has talked to me throughout my life. The way he nudges me, calms me, slows me down, and especially the way he opens my eyes to things unseen.

Let me give you a sneak peek into my life on any given Monday. Mondays at our house are generally a low key day. Coffee, pj's, ponytails, and a boat load of housework, especially laundry. This past Monday was no different. Grant was down for an early nap, and Gracie had more ants in her pants then I cared for. She wanted to have a friend over, but with her cold, and not knowing who to call I kept saying "NO." She followed me around the house....ants trailing behind, bugging me. So I finally stopped and asked her if she wanted to play a game. Of course that was a resounding "YES." I quickly rushed us through Candy Land, and brushed her off so I could continue on with my to do list. After grumbling about not having any friends she decided to do the dishes (she loves to clean). I later walked into the kitchen to put away some towels when Gracie said, "mom, you know why I don't ever ask you to play with me?......because you are always too busy." OUCH!!!!!! This mom's eyes welled up with tears and I gave her a big hug. Right then I heard God speaking and thanked Him for using Gracie to slow me down, to realize the important things in life....and well sometimes the important things are the BIG ones, like Gracie, its not the piddly laundry that will be there tomorrow.

I've been really struggling lately with the direction I'm going. Key word there is "I'm"! But after those words were spoken to me so innocently by Gracie, I understand that this life isn't all about me! God forgive me, God please guide me, God open my eyes to my own family and especially to YOU!!! ..........and please do not stop talking to me!

Simply Gratitude......continued

It is not every day that I continually look at the people and circumstances around me as God's gift to me, to be honest, it's been way to long. Well, the Lord has nudged me to stay on track in 2010, so I am simply thankful for:

helping hands

work

family & friends willing to watch my kids

staying home with my kids

testimony of faith that has been shared through a fragile life....

....and all those who are impacted by that testimony

tears and heartache

God's unconditional love

laughter

innocence of children

the Lord nudging me to focus on all things with gratitude and to ever be thankful. The Lord has been so good to me in 2009. I commit to give Him the praise in 2010 for being so good!

music to my ears

Okay, so I was holding a grudge last night against the sweetest little girl around.....Jessi that is!

I just got done tucking the girls in bed. I was curled up on the top bunk laying next to Jess. We just finished drawing pictures on each other's backs. The topic for the past week or so has been Christmas. You know how the game works, right? I draw a Santa or Christmas tree on Jessi's back and she tries to guess what it is. Then her turn to draw a picture on mine. Tonight I drew a present and she draws JESUS! Yeah, she topped her mom with that one......that is the real meaning of Christmas, right! The one thing I've been trying to teach these girls the past few weeks......I guess it worked!

Oh, it gets better! Jessi then asks me what one thing do I want for Christmas? I proceed to ramble off a couple of things, and I ask her the same question.

She responds, "JESUS IN MY HEART!!!!!!!" Instant tears welled up in my eyes. This girl is just precious and I am so thankful God has blessed me with her.

After telling Jessi how proud I am of her and that having Jesus in her heart makes mommy so happy, Gracie decides that for Christmas she wants JESUS IN HER HEART too! Mission accomplished!

Today I am so thankful for my two girls and the love they have for Jesus. This is going to be a Christmas to remember!

WHY???

So, I'm giving the kids a bath tonight, looking as lovely as ever........no shower, hair pulled back in a pony tail, bangs pulled back with a bobby pin holding them in place, blue jeans and a turtleneck. Sounds like one hot mama.....wouldn't you say?

Out of the clear blue Jessi says, "you look pregnant." My jaw dropped and I kindly replied, "what did you say?" To which her response was, "you look, kinda pregnant, not so much, just a little." Okay, well, isn't that just dandy. I held a grudge on the poor girl the rest of the night.

Why, please tell me WHY kids have to be so honest?

I'm going to do some sit ups.................and the next time you see me, do NOT look at my tummy!

Enough said!!!!!! I'm starting to get ticked off again!