Tis the Season for ....

Tis the season for... giving.
This is the phrase that has been on the forefront of my mind as I hung the ornaments, lights and Christmas decorations in jolly excitedness for this Christmas (more on that later).
When I think of giving, usually the first thing that pops into my head is gifts. The more I began to think on the gifts I wanted to purchase for my family for Christmas, the more the Lord weighted my heart.
I started to run down the list of toys and dolls then stopped and switched to thoughts of what they needed; clothes, shoes and that list went on. I again felt the Lord's hand on my heart.

I prayed for wisdom as I felt my thoughts turning to another direction, toward their hearts.

My list for the kids:
Love
Patience
Fun
Kindness
Words of Wisdom
Biblical Discipline
Hugs
Kisses
Cuddles

My list for Josh:
Love
Patience
Words of Wisdom
Biblical Discipline
One on One Time Spent in things that make my heart glad (cooking)

My list for Eric:
Love
Patience
Fun
Kindness
Words of Wisdom
Service with a loving heart
Hugs
Kisses


When I sat and thought about what I really WANTED to give my family this year, it ended up being me.
The gift of me, not the busy me, but the Godly wife and mother I know He can help me to be.
The more I sat and thought the more excited I got! What a glorious God to give me such opportunity to see His desire for me and fuel me with His passion!

Search your heart,
What could you really give your family?

Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Right Hand Gal and Loving It!

The woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam;

not made out of his head to rule over him,

nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him,

but out of his side to be equal with him,

under his arm to be protected,

and near his heart to be beloved.

-Matthew Henry

It's not always the best way to get there,
but when we get there, it's good... better than good,
finding one another among the chaos,
remembering the why,
is better than a candle lit dinner, roses or box of chocolates.

I am so thankful for my husband this Thanksgiving,
his listening ear, wise words and strong arms.
I love being his "right hand (wo)man"
and I can't think of a better place to be.

I went to work yesterday...

I went to work yesterday and found I truly needed this second job, more than I could have imagined.

I arrived to a preschool teacher who had way too much on her plate. I found myself watching her through the glass observing without her knowledge, the way she interacted with the 17 children who occupied her class. I stood there watching her put aside the things that were important to others and take time to address those things that were important to some: a shoe untied, some contraption of tinker that needed to be seen, a dispute among friends that needed resolving, a hug here and welcome there. I stood there watching this remarkable woman. The morning continued on, (without my observing), to be a busy (understatement) of a morning. At one point the entire class had their sticks changed to yellow for talking. Luke informed me that he 'had not been listening when he was supposed to be listening to his teacher'. As the morning ended and lunch began I was again able to observe without her knowledge. I watched as she cleared empty trays, set aside two boys (one of them mine) that were acting up, rushing from one child to the next who had a need or want--- all the while being patient, firm and caring to each child. Had I not been behind the scenes I would have never known the endless to-do list this woman carried.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 31:10

So, I went to work yesterday and saw a servant. I remember the words of my Father and reminded myself that I have a purpose- the highest most honorable purpose anyone can have. It was a much needed reminder.

I went to work yesterday and found strength from those who surround me, in the friendships that I've made and the second job I have been blessed with.

It is much more than I deserve.

Overshadowing

I just finished reading the words of a sister in Christ, who reminded me where my focus needed to be. Rather than on the frustrations of the week, I need to focus on the joys.

We have had a rough week with Josh, but I feel like it is passing. However, with teenagers there is always a storm of one sort or another.

I decided to count my blessings:

-Alaina. For your wisdom and caring heart to write what I needed to hear.
-My Husband. Eric cleaned the kitchen not once, but twice this week for me. For turning on my electric blanket in the middle of the night. For setting the alarm for me this morning. For the unexpected hug and sweetly planted kiss he gave me after we returned home from Bible Study.
-My son, Luke. He is my second love. I find great joy in disciplining him, taking the time to instruct in the way of our Father, and seeing his heart change.
-Kayla. The way she thinks things are "awesome". The way she says "I love you Mommy." The fun time we had dancing and singing yesterday afternoon.
-Krista. The way she runs to me eyes shinning and arms held outward. It is joy, in the purest form.
-My Heavenly Father and His assurance that He doesn't give me more than I can handle. His guidance in my life and direction of my steps. His power over all things, great and small.

I am so beautifully blessed.

End of October

I'm having a "wordless Wednesday" with many things on my mind and heart, but still wanted to post some pictures.
If you think of me pray for me....