She's Growing up!

It doesn't seem long ago but according to the calendar it will be ten years tomorrow. Tonight my little girl went to bed a nine year old, in the morning she will awake a ten year old!

As we all sleep the hour will strike midnight and at eleven minutes past the midnight hour, Rachel will enter her tenth year of life. While we will not stay up to commemorate the exact hour we do plan to enjoy the day and the rest of the weekend.

Tomorrow night we will celebrate with friends. Slumber party!! So we could possibly be up tomorrow night. You know how girls can be when they get together...

Saturday night we will celebrate with Jeremy's parents. Of course her cousins will be there and Gigi will be making the cake.

We hope to make it to my parent's on Sunday. I'll be making the cake then and there will be more cousins to visit with.

The next few days look to be busy ones but i know a certain little girl (who really isn't so little anymore) who is really looking forward friends, family, ice cream and birthday cake. I also know a certain mama who is looking forward to watching her daughter enjoy her big day and there may be some tears in her eyes as she remembers the little girl and anticipates the future of this beautiful ten year old while savoring every moment God gives us together...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RACHEL!!!

I LOVE YOU!

Wordless Wednesday

A Little Honesty

For three weeks now little else has occupied my mind besides homeschooling, which we start next week and Rachel's tenth birthday, which is Friday.
Both events fill me with excitement and anticipation. Mixed in with these emotions is anxiety as i try to pace myself and not overwhelm myself with crazy, unrealistic expectations.
The past few days i have been battling depression and tears. My usual reaction is to isolate myself but i know tomorrow i will be meeting with the women of my CR group. The thought frightens me and comforts me all at the same time. If it weren't for this beautiful group of women it would be so easy to shut the doors and stay home tomorrow but because i am the facilitator of the group they do depend on me to be there.
I love seeing everyone each week. I love hearing their stories and experiences. Even sharing my own "stuff" feels good. Honesty with people you trust does wonders for the heart and mind.
These meetings are the highlight of my week!
I really admire and respect these women. They encourage me. As i watch them grow i am strengthened. I think of them often as i struggle and i know if they can perservere with God's help then so can i.
I love them all like sisters.
So, tonight as i type this i am feeling much better about the junk of my life because i know i am not alone. I have my family, friends and God on my side.
The going may get tough but my God will never leave me and He will even put others to walk beside me.
Thank You, precious, loving Father!

I asked for strength that I might achieve;

I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health that I might do greater things;

I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy;

I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;

I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;

I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I had asked for,

but everything I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered;

I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

-An Unknown Confederate Soldier

Be Still

"Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!" Psalm 46:10

This picture of Rachel and Brogan is one of my absolute favorites. It was taken soon after we moved here and we were exploring the area.

What i love about this photograph is that they are both being still and they are not posing for the camera as they usually do. It is as if they are lost in the moment and just enjoying the beauty that surrounds them.

Every time i see this i am reminded of Psalm 46:10. The words, "Be still", speak boldly to me.

How is it that seems so simple can be so difficult for me to practice? Even when the house is quiet and no one else is around i busy myself with mindless chores that really don't have to be done but the thought of being still and listening gets me thinking of activity i could be doing. Busyness is something i know all too well. Stillness and quietness...not so well.

I am praying God will change this about me.

Greener Pastures

Where i live there are many pastures. From my van i admire the beautiful green grass in these pastures and yes, some are greener than others.

But a thought occurs to me as i drive by, "It must take a lot of manure to make that grass so green." And this is true in my life as well.

When i see others with beautiful homes, nice cars, the best that money can buy and all those other things i think i want, it helps to remember they have their messes too. No life is without them. But it is so easy to look at others greener pastures and envy what we see there while what lies in that grass, hidden from our view would change our worldly perspective.

Maybe then we would be more content with our own pastures as we try to make the most of what we have been given. Just let us not become so content that we do not reach across the fence to those on the other side...even if their grass is greener!

Wings

God whispers on butterfly wings

and tells me He has given me wings too.

With my wings He says to fly,

and color the world around me

with faith, hope and love!