Silence...

Hmmmm, did you wonder where I have been?

I'm so sorry about the sudden drop in posts with no explanation and that I haven't been on to explain.  To be honest, life has been THAT crazy, that I haven't had 2 minutes to post a "Hey I'll be back in a few weeks" post.  In fact, it's been so busy that I have started to question and really evaluate whether I could keep up with this.  I haven't stopped keeping my list of things to be thankful for, I have just NOT had time to get on here to share them.  After really thinking about what is causing this to be difficult to keep up with and doing some praying about it - I have decided to keep giving it try.  The desire to keep the blog is there still and I feel that it's been good for me.  However, I'm going to wait to try again until after February break (next week).  I may find I'll be able to keep up with posting over break, but I'm giving myself until my oldest daughter's play is over and life will return to a dull roar of chaos rather than the crazy whirlwind it's been for the past few weeks.  We'll see how things go then.

Thanks for your patience.  God bless.

Preaching To Self

I have to be honest, ... I'm not really feeling very thankful today.  It's been a challenge all day long for me to look for and find God's gifts for me in the daily ins and outs.  I feel the overwhelming wave of anxiety washing over me today with the, "I just can't do this all on my own" set on repeat in the recesses of my brain.  I'm feeling discontentment with a few things in my life today.  I'm feeling frustrated and tired.  I had a difficult drive to and from class, which makes an already long afternoon and evening, longer.  I couldn't get my mind and heart to set on praying for the duration of the drive time...  so I ended up turning on a local Christian station and this song came on:

This song always "gets me" and tonight was no exception.  It sucker-punched me right in the gut and made me focus on God's sovereignty and that His hands are in all the details of life - good and bad.  The end especially resonated with me today:  What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy?  What if trials of this life, the rain, the storms, the hardest nights, are your mercies in disguise?"

THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME.  

I immediately came home and referred to a chart that I came across a few days ago on facebook... 

I went directly to the scriptures to remind myself what God says when I say I'm too tired, It's impossible, I'm not able, I can't go on, and I can't manage.  I felt peace wash over my heart that He will give me rest, that WITH HIM all things are possible, that He is able to make all grace abound to me, so that I may abound in every good work, that His grace is sufficient for me, and He will truly supply all my needs.  

100.  I'm thankful for God's timing, encouragement, and Word.

101.  I'm thankful for the challenging day to remind me to rest in Him for ALL things -- and that I need not try to do it all on my own. 

102.  Though I don't always understand the "why" I'm there, I'm thankful for the grad class - and pray the Lord will use it to teach me, mold me, and draw me closer to Him. 

103.  I'm thankful for the place God has called me to and pray that He will help me to be content.  

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Cor. 12:9-10

Sometimes it's the little things...

Today I am thankful for several little things...

96.  A special little treat after having blood work, a YUMMY salted caramel hot chocolate from DD.  

97.  A husband who helps with housework.

98.  Huge, softly falling snowflakes out the kitchen window.

99.  An amazingly delicious supper - God's provision of good food for our family.  

Friday

Today, I'm thankful for...

91.  Hearing sweet belly laughs from a normally quiet student.

92.  God's grace during difficult news...

93.  Soft, purring kittens.

94.  Yoga with my daughter.

95.  A heartfelt thank you from my oldest at bedtime.

Moments of Quiet in the Midst of Chaos

Phew - it's been a whirlwind of a day.  Our sub-zero temps continue and it's making the school week a LONG one.  When you go days on end without anyone being able to get out and run off some steam, it can make us all a little batty.  ;)

In the midst of the chaos, I've found some moments of peace - some moments to sit and just be in the moment, per say.

87. After a somewhat harried morning, trying to stop tripping over my own feet and get out the door, I relished in singing my memory work this week with my Fighter Verse app on my phone.  I know I have mentioned this app - a lot - but the reason I love, love, love it is that it gives me so many different ways to practice the verse each week -- my favorite being that I can sing it.  -AND, it is repeats over and over until you tell it to stop, so I just keep singing it again and again the entire way into work.  :)  For some reason, I'm enjoying this tune/song/words combo better than I've enjoyed the others to date.  It's a fun one to sing.  (I Thess. 5:14-22)

88.  Most (not all) mornings, I am the first person on my floor at school --- and there's something very peaceful about being there in the quiet of the morning as the sun is still rising, with it so very still... there's something about quiet halls and rooms that will soon be filled with the noise that lots of little bodies full of energy and life.  It's a very productive time of day for me during these early mornings - today was one of those days.  

89.  It was so fun to sit and listen to my oldest and her friend chat on the way to town for theater...  I mean, truly hilarious.  :D  It was fantastic to release some tension through laughter and just enjoy their chatter.  

90.  While C was at theater, I sought solace in one of my favorite libraries to do some classwork.  It was quiet and it's always a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by so many books.  I <3 Books!  (As you can see, I brought quite the stack home with me to work on this weekend for my class!)

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength

The Lord has been teaching me several things lately and I am thankful for the promises He keeps placing before me, so that I can cling to them and claim them as my own.  Today, as I read, I came upon an all familiar verse - but it's timing was perfect for me today: Nehemiah 8:10, And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.  God is showing me each day in lots of little - and big - ways that He is near, He is my comfort, and He is my helper in times of need.  

I have been experiencing some discouraging physical challenges and it could be very easy to question God, but I'm resting in Him to help ease the pain and discomfort and help me to make it through each day.  I remind myself that there are many who are enduring far greater challenges than I am and when I see their joy, faith, and trust in Him shine through their challenges, I know that I need to keep my perspective in check and rest in His sovereignty. 

Yesterday and today, I'm thankful for... 

81.  Finding good deals on things we need.

82.  The blessing of a dear friend.

83.  A hard decision being made and feeling at peace about it.

84.  For a warm, snuggly quilt.

85.  For much needed rest. 

86.  For being placed where I am, free to worship God as I please and openly own and read my Bible as I like.  (Praying for Christians in Eritrea who have been taken captive and are being held, based on the profession of their faith.)  

Catching up

So sorry I haven't been here for a few days -- life has been busy!  I've still been counting my blessings, but haven't been able to get on here to share them.  I'll do my best to catch up my list and then stay current moving forward...

65.  Listening to my oldest and a theater friend chat and laugh on the way into town for play practice.

66.  God's faithfulness to me when I fail Him.

67.  For hugs from students.


68.  Friday fun with students.

69.  Good morning texts from my daughter.  <3

70.  A break in the weather, bringing sunshine, which allowed us to get outside for recess.

71.  Hearing my youngest play her African drum... she's making great gains!


72.  Lazy Saturday morning.

73.  The ability to get some housework done.

74.  Productive few hours in my classroom, to prepare for the coming week.

75.  Family movie night.


76.  Having church in our new Sanctuary!  :)  yay!

These are happy faces to be in our new addition!!  Lots of room to sit and so much brighter/lighter. :)

77.  My oldest completing her last new member class  --  and that I got to share in this experience with her.

78.  Safety on messy roads - God's promises of protection playing through my head as I passed several off the road.

79.  Fun with friends - seeing The Wizard of Oz on the big screen, followed by games.

80.  A yummy supper prepared by my husband.


I had several pictures for these list items, but unfortunately, technology is not my friend this morning - maybe once I can get them all working, I'll come back and update?

Oh, taste and see, that the Lord is good...  :)

Sunshine and Warm Breezes :)

Today, I am thankful for...

61.  Time with the girls this evening.

62.  Glorious sunshine and temps in the 40s.

63.  Open windows, allowing fresh air to circulate in the classroom and not being too cold to do it.  ;)  

64.  Making plans for a birthday surprise for Daddy from the girls...


Things are getting a little hectic during this week, but I'm striving more than anything to remain "in the here and now" and not worry or stress over things in the future.  He is showing me many things throughout each day and I'm so thankful for His faithfulness.

Today, I am thankful for...

58.  A generous friend who is helping the girls get to their dance and theater practices -- and is willing to endure our somewhat emotional girly at times.

59.  Safety on a very foggy night, driving home in the pouring rain on roads full of standing water and some mild flooding.

60.  The promise that God's mercies are new every morning.

Monday, Monday...

Ah, here it is, the close of a somewhat harried Monday.  It has been a little crazy, but honestly not a stressful crazy.  God has been oh so good to me in so many ways.  I had a decent workday - things went smoothly for the first part.  However, today did hold a little bit of a shadow, per say, because my semester at college started back up this afternoon.  Adding that graduate class just seems to push things to the limit - and sometimes, beyond.

I'll come back to that in a moment.  Today, I did see/find/discover, many of God's blessings as I went throughout my day...

54.  The promise that I need not fear, for God has redeemed me and called me by name...  (one last review of last week's verse before moving on to this weeks...  Thank you, Lord, for Fighter Verses - I LOVE THIS APP!)  I love to play the song over and over as I drive to work in the mornings.

55.  A sweet "Good Morning" message from my oldest (who's just discovered how to send texts through skype on the Surface, used for homeschooling) while getting things ready for the day in my classroom.  ;)  

56.  Two words:  OUTDOOR RECESS!  :)  

57.  The moon in the sky to my left, and the setting sun in the sky to my right as I made my way to class this afternoon...  a reminder to me of God's faithfulness, His order, His amazing creation.  

Class went smoothly, though I have to say that I left feeling a little shell-shocked with all that there is to do in this course.  I was also a little frustrated that one of the (very expensive) textbooks I ordered was actually not the RIGHT book (even though I purchased what was listed on the school bookstore website).  

All of this put together left me feeling very overwhelmed when I left class this evening.  I started to feel anxiety creep in.  I did a little self-preaching and a whole lot of praying on the way home.  I kept reminding myself to live in the now, not in tomorrow...  that the Lord has faithfully seen me through all of my previous classes and I have no reason to doubt that He'll see me through this one.  I'm going to take it one day at a time and do my very best to manage my time wisely -- but I'm also NOT going to worry about the level of work or the time it will take.  I can do all things through Him and He's promised to be my helper.  I just have to take it one day at a time, rather than worrying about EVERYTHING tonight.  ;)  -And I wasn't the only one with the wrong book, many of us had the same one - and really, it will work out just fine, not perfectly, but it'll work.  

All of that to say, that I'm very thankful for God's help in my efforts to claim these promises and live them out.  He is really working in my life to get rid of that anxiety/unbelief I've been clinging to.

Giving Thanks, Even When You Don't "Feel It"...

This past Saturday, we received a lot more rain - which froze instantly and made everything (and I do mean, everything) a HUGE mess.  This wouldn't have really bothered me, per say - except that the rest of my family ventured out to my parent's house for the day and I was concerned about their return trip -- AND, it also was a huge factor in my decision to stay home on Sunday, because I am just not entirely sure I would've even be able to get off of our road, let alone get all the way to church...  I was disappointed to be missing yet another service due to weather this winter.  In addition to the weather, I was still feeing pretty crummy from this head cold; while the day of rest on Saturday was helpful, I just couldn't seem to shake the sinus headache and overall fatigue.  ---Put all of this together, plus a few other minuscule things, and I guess I was just feeling pretty discouraged on Sunday morning.

I have to be honest, it was harder for me to see/find God's gifts to me that morning.  I did "make myself" look for them though - and here are some of what I found:

50. The beauty in the ice world outside, especially with the sun shining on it all.

51.  The fact that it was warm enough for the kids to get OUTSIDE for the first time in a very long time...  even though all they could do was slide on their bottom in the driveway!  ha ha... 

52.  I always find it a blessing to listen to my children practicing their instruments - but my oldest is getting so very good on the piano, it makes it all the more enjoyable!  She truly LOVES it as well, so it's a blessing to see her enjoy it so much.

53.  I'm thankful for the ability and resources to listen to an online sermon when it is needed/necessary.

A little R & R

Today, I'm thankful for...

47. ... a quiet house to myself today to pray, to read, and rest.

48. ... God's protection over my family on icy roads.

49. ... playing games together as a family. 


It's another ice-filled day here and I'm trying not to dwell on the possibility of missing church due to weather... :(  

"For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”  Isaiah 41:13

Friday Fun

Despite my feeling a little crummy, I had a fun day reliving some childhood memories and having fun with my students and then later with my own children in the evening.  

43.  My day started with a beautiful, colorful sky from across the playground as I walked into work. 

44.  Temps reaching mid 20s!  (A heatwave!!)

45.  The opportunity to relive childhood memories while singing, dancing, and having fun with the entire elementary school and Rick Charette.  Who else gets to have fun like that while at work?  

46.  Getting to do it all over again that night, with my two girls, at the local theater - watching their joy on stage as they got to sing with him.  There's something really neat about taking your kids to listen to an artist that you listened to as a child and sharing in some of the same memories.  :)  

Singing, There's an Alligator in the Elevator on stage with Rick Charette and their friends from theater.

Just another day in paradise :)

It's been a somewhat busy day, but I'm amazed at how relaxed I've been - head cold and all.  It's been a fun day in the land of pre-k - doing a science experiment with ice, talking about snow flakes, playing all sorts of crazy things, and learning about the letter G.  After school, I rushed to "town" to take my youngest daughter to the Dr. for her well-child appointment - which went very well (which, if you know our history at all, you might recognize this as an accomplishment!), and then we hung out while we waited for the oldest to get out of Dramatic Academy.  A fun day, and lots of little moments to notice blessings bestowed to me by God's hand.

Some may seem silly, but they're blessings to me nonetheless...  ;)

36.  Despite a restless night of sleep, I awoke before my alarm and didn't have much sleepiness to "shake off" as I started my day.  (I'm not, by nature, a morning person...  ;)       -I'm working on it.) 

37.  A four-year old's awe over what to us/me, seems a very simple experiment involving melting ice.

38.  Though I try to limit my intake, a little caffeine (purchased with my birthday gift card) to help me make it through the day.  ;)

 Unsweetened raspberry iced tea... ;)

39.  The fanciful imagination of four year olds and that I get to share in it with them daily.

The story behind this would take much, much, too much time to share - but trust me when I say it's a great one!  ha ha... That's a lot of animals on one bus!  

40.  An excellent well-child visit for my youngest in ... I don't know how long.  Thank you, Jesus.

41.  Seeing pure joy on my daughter's face because she got the part of Lucy in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.   

42. The promises in His Word that God cannot lie, and that there is great assurance in knowing if He has promised it, He will do it!

I wish this were something other than just a cell phone pic snapped while sitting at a stop light - but I just had to try to show the setting sun shimmering off all the ice.  All of the open fields I pass on the way to town are so beautiful right now!  

Looking for the Bright Spots...

I seem to have come down with a head cold, which is wearing me down physically (which is the short explanation for the lack of a post yesterday...) but I'm still trying to keep my focus on looking for God's gifts to me.  Today's post will be short and sweet as well, since I'm still feeling under the weather.

28.  Safety on icy roads.

29.  Soft Tissues.

30.  Cold medicine - to make the day bearable.

31.  Excited chatter in the backseat from two excited girls who had fun at ballet class and theater class.  :)

32.  That feeling, you know - when you're so physically exhausted and you climb into your bed at the end of the day - and it feels. so. good.


Today, I'm thankful for the following: 

31.  Cozy jammies.

32.  Hot Wild Orange tea with honey. MmmMMmmm...

33.  Singing silly songs with my students and seeing/hearing them laugh. 

34.  Afternoon sun streaming through the classroom window. 

35.  Setting sun reflecting of ice-laden snow - so pretty!  (I promise to do better about getting pictures!!)

Gifts from God

Oh my,...  I have so many gifts from God today, I am amazed at what a wonderful day this has been!  Today, we had a snow (ICE) day from school, so my weekend was extended by an extra day.  I still got up at the same time and had a nice long time to spend in God's Word and prayer.  It was SO nice to have this time without any need to hurry.

And is anyone surprised to hear that through my devotions God spoke to me yet again - in a completely different way - about fear and stress?  ha ha... I'm not!  :)  I am so thankful for His persistence with me and for continuing to send His promises my way and sometimes sticking them right under my nose, just to be sure.  ;)

Today, I'm especially thankful for these gifts from God:

20.  Sweet communion with Him in the quiet of early morning.

How do you like my "study buddy"?  :)

21.  Morning hugs and kisses from the girls in their excitement to find me home when they woke up.

22.  Feeling relief and joy in seeing a dreaded task completed.

23.  The sweet smell of banana muffins baking in the oven.

24.  A warm, hearty chili for supper.

25.  The sweetest prayer from my youngest tonight after reading together.  I am still savoring this gift!  

26.  For the gift of an extra day to spend with family, check things off my to-do list, workout, and spend time in His Word.

27.  Seeing excitement on my children's faces as new adventures start tomorrow (ballet and a new theater experience - The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe)!  

I'll close with a little "food for thought" - "Worry is the facade of taking action when prayer really is. ... An untroubled heart relaxes, trusts, leans assured into His ever-dependent arms. ... Trust, it's the antithesis of stress."

Spirit-filled Life

Ahhhh...  I cannot get over how much the Lord is really speaking to me about trusting in Him for all things, to not live a life of fear and anxiety.  It's almost comical to see the many ways it's coming to my attention, or "falling into my lap."  ha ha.  I'm listening, Lord...  I'm listening.  I'm praying, praying, praying for His continual work in my heart as I continue this journey of Thanksgiving.  I believe Lord, help thou mine unbelief.

16.  I'm thankful for an incredible sermon from Galatians 5 on being filled with the Spirit... and the reminder that the work of being filled with the Spirit is an every. day. effort. on our part.  We sang the words from this song at the close of the sermon: 

Holy Spirit, living Breath of God,

Breathe new life into my willing soul.

Bring the presence of the risen Lord

To renew my heart and make me whole.

Cause Your Word to come alive in me;

Give me faith for what I cannot see;

Give me passion for Your purity.

Holy Spirit, breathe new life in me.

Holy Spirit, come abide within;

May Your joy be seen in all I do—

Love enough to cover ev'ry sin

In each thought and deed and attitude,

Kindness to the greatest and the least,

Gentleness that sows the path of peace.

Turn my striving into works of grace.

Breath of God, show Christ in all I do. 

Holy Spirit, from creation's birth,

Giving life to all that God has made,

Show Your power once again on earth;

Cause Your church to hunger for Your ways.

Let the fragrance of our prayers arise.

Lead us on the road of sacrifice

That in unity the face of Christ

Will be clear for all the world to see.

Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God

Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend

17.  I'm thankful for the opportunity to see my oldest attend new member classes at church - and see how the Lord is already doing a work in her heart.  

18.  I'm thankful for temperatures above zero!  :)

19.  I'm thankful for the opportunity to work together with my husband to prepare meals and snacks for the coming week - a time-saver and it insure we eat healthy meals!  ;)

 Just a few of the many meals we prepared.... a veggie quiche, breakfast burritos, and salads in a jar.

Being Still

Today has been a very quiet day for our family - which was much needed.  I do have to say the kids have a little bit of cabin fever, since it's been TOO COLD to get outside to play.  A nice quiet, day at home is what we've had nonetheless and it was very nice - when I take the time to live in today, I find blessings all around me...

12.  Afternoon snuggles with my youngest, while she read to me...

13.  A warm kitten purring in my lap while I read on the couch.

14.  Afternoon sunshine streaming through the kitchen window and glimmering on the snow and ice outdoors.

15.  Hearing my oldest make a decision to choose time with family over an opportunity to take part in one of her favorite interests/pastimes...  another reminder of what a big girl she is - and such a big heart.  

Friday Gifts

8.  I'm thankful for a sweet little guy who said, "Mrs. --,  You're the bestest teacher ever" during a somewhat crazy Friday at school.  Melted my heart and helped me to remain focused on the positives.

9.  I'm immensely thankful for welcoming afternoon hugs from the girls, filled with smiles and details from their day.

10.  I'm thankful to see the joy and sense of accomplishment in my daughter's face after completing her first ever cross-stitch sampler.  (I foresee more in her future - she seems "hooked!")  ;)  

I took this just after she stitched her final stitch.  

We've had a rocky track record for completing projects - so this was a sort of a big deal for her.  

11.  As FRIGID as it's been here, I've been very mindful of how blessed I am to have shelter, heat, warm winter coat, and necessary winter gear.  I know that there are many who may not be so blessed.  

Fear Not

Isaiah 41:10  "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."


5.  I am so very thankful for these two promises that the Lord gave to me - both in my reading last night and through Fighter Verses this morning - the promise that He is with me, to help me and strengthen me, wherever I am.  What a comfort these promises are!  I feel as though the Lord keeps sending them my way through various means to help me remember that I do not need to be afraid.  

6.  I'm thankful for a good day back to work in pre-k -- filled with lots of smiles, hugs, and exciting tales from vacation.

7.  I'm thankful for my new warm winter hat to help me stay warm on this day filled with arctic air - a find I happened upon on Christmas Eve after searching for what seems forever.  (I'm not a "hat person" so I guess I can be pretty picky... ;) )

New Beginnings...

Lamentations 3:22-23, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is [His] faithfulness."

As I begin this journey of thankfulness, I'm grateful that His steadfast love never ceases and despite how many times I may stumble and fall, His mercies never come to an end.  Praise God for new beginnings, a fresh slate.

1. Heat coursing through our home, keeping us warm as the temperature outside is almost 20 below zero.

2. Giggling girls as they play a game together at the dining room table.

3.  A husband, who's been feeling very under the weather, who seems to be feeling considerably better.  

4.  Finishing the book, One Thousand Gifts, this morning and being challenged to change my focus from what I think about God to what God thinks about me...  

Just for Clarification...

"I AM A CHRISTIAN"

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I am saved"
I'm whispering "I was lost"
That is why I chose this way.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
And need someone to be my guide.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And pray for strength to carry on.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are all too visible,
But God believes I'm worth it.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartaches
Which is why I speak His name.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority.
I only know I'm loved.

 Author: Carol S. Wimmer