Monday Musings

Out in my yard today... a chilly December day with a high of 34 degrees on my thermometer.  Sunny, which is a bit deceptive considering the cold air.  It snowed a little bit yesterday and there are a few traces of the white stuff left in the shady parts of the yard.  I hope it snows some more soon because the landscape is looking pretty brown and drab.

I'm grateful for... the pot of potato soup bubbling away on my stovetop.  Hot soup on a cold day = happiness!

One of my favorite things... is listening to my girls tell me about their day as soon as they get home.  Their perspective and insight fascinate me.  Some parents have to beg their teens to talk to them... I sometimes find myself thinking about begging mine to stop!  I am so thankful that we have such open and honest communication.

This week I'm reading... Parentless Parents: How the Loss of Our Mothers and Fathers Impacts the Way We Raise Our Children by Allison Gilbert. So interesting...this author has put into words absolutely every thought I've ever had while raising my children in the face of the loss of my own parents. 



I'm looking forward to... attending all of the Christmas programs that my husband and girls are in throughout the next couple of weeks.  It can get a little hectic, but I really love watching them all using their God-given talents to bless others.

Simple life tip for the week... "Whenever Christmas begins to burden, it’s a sign that I’ve taken on something of the world and not of Christ. Any weight in Christmas has to be of this world." ~Ann Voskamp   As we count down to Christmas, it is so easy to get carried away in the preparations and expectations of the holiday.  During this time of advent, as we look forward to Christ's birth, let's take a break from those endless to-do lists and focus on the One who is the reason for the season.

Thankful Thursday

The month of November has come to a close, and so ends my month-long gratitude project.  The above is a collage of everything from my daily posts.  As you can see, I am so incredibly blessed!  Thanks-living is truly life-changing. 
 
"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~Melody Beattie

Word-filled Wednesday

Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. ~ Colossians 3:17

Thankful today for...

Godly women who speak truth into my life.

His Word that teaches, guides, and inspires.

my husband and children who encourage me to just be me!

More and more

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” — Melody Beattie

More and more to be thankful for today-

time to organize,

time to pray,

time to read,

time to play,

time to talk,

time to hug,

time to take a deep breath,

time to live!

Gifts For Today

"Each day offers us the gift of being a special occasion if we can simply learn that as well as giving, it is blessed to receive with grace and a grateful heart." ~Sarah Ban Breathnach Grateful today for: - sugar cookie tea - homemade chicken noodle soup - penguins - texting - my children expressing their gratitude for everything - a healthy family

Sunday Grace

Thankfulness is the deep, contented breath of Peacefulness. ~Ann Voskamp

So thankful today for...

waffles.

worship with family and friends.

afternoon naps.

refreshment and encouragement.

For Everything

"Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation."

- Brian Tracy

I'm thankful today for...

help with "decking the halls" of our home.

turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce.

laughter in the midst of competition.

snowmen.



TGIF

O Lord that lends me life,
Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.
~William Shakespeare

Thankful today for...

early Christmas presents.

twinkling white lights.

a second wind.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am blessed,

I am blessed,

Every day that I live I am blessed.

When I wake up in the morning 'til I lay my head to rest

I am blessed,

I am blessed!



Word-filled Wednesday

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.  Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." ~Psalm 100:4

Thankful today for...

a lazy morning to enjoy.

baked oatmeal.

David and Hope hanging up the Christmas lights outside.

the joyful sound of Brianna's singing coming from upstairs.

the start of a new knitting project.

the One who gives me life.

More Than Enough

So thankful for...

meaningful employment and earnings that pay all of our bills!

Shawna, my hairstylist, who always makes my hair look pretty.

a full pantry.

my husband who is always willing to help me shop.

the start of the Thanksgiving holiday break from school.

When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears. ~ Anthony Robbins      

Everyday Epiphanies

"Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world." ~John Milton

Today...

I had some much-needed quiet time.  It truly restores me!

I snuggled in bed with Baxter while enjoying a delicious cup of coffee.

I got the sweetest email from my hubby and it made me smile all the way to my core.

I'm thankful for precious friends that love and care for me just like family.

Sunday Grace

O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I'll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless God,
don't forget a single blessing!

He forgives your sins—every one.
He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you're always young in his presence.~ Psalm 103:1-5

I'm feeling overwhelmed today by the goodness of God!  So many blessings... an abundance of riches!  My heart is full and words seem so inadequate...

TGIF

Today I'm thankful for...

hugs and happy greetings from kids as I walked through the halls of an elementary school.

recess.

David and Brianna braving the snow to bring home a hot, delicious pizza for dinner.

music that stirs my soul and reminds me of the wonders of life.

my father-in-law. Today is his birthday and I'm so glad he was born!

redeeming love.

Gratitude is an attitude that hooks us up to our source of supply. And the more grateful you are, the closer you become to your maker, to the architect of the universe, to the spiritual core of your being. It’s a phenomenal lesson. ~Bob Proctor

Thankful Thursday

"Gratitude is riches.  Complaint is poverty." ~ Doris Day

Among today's riches:

- good food and conversation at our Moms Group party and ornament exchange.

- wisdom and encouragement from a fellow writer/ mentor.

- pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

- rain falling softly outside.

My Little Girl with the Golden Hair

She's 18 years old today.  A legal adult.  My first-born.  The miracle whose presence reminds me each day that God answers prayer.  I knew this day would come, but it's still a bit surreal.  Where did all the time go? 

She arrived on a snowy November evening after many hours of labor and a difficult delivery.  The most beautiful, perfectly formed being I had ever seen!  7lbs. 12oz. 20 3/4 inches long.

One last side view before leaving for the hospital

Newborn baby Hope with her Mama

Brand new Daddy enjoying some snuggle time





My dad getting acquainted with his first granddaughter at her first Thanksgiving- 9 days old & quite the charmer!

 And so the journey begins...

I quit my job to stay home with her full-time.  David was in his senior year of college and it wasn't the most opportune time to lose my income.  But we had made a committment to God and each other as to how we would raise our children, so we stepped out in faith. 

And she grew...

So stylish with her handsome Daddy

Our little family- Hope is 6 months old



Hanging out with Mommy

and grew...


Future's so bright they gotta wear shades!

Such a happy girl... everyone who met her would always comment on how happy she was!

Showing Daddy how to brush his teeth

and grew...


Such a little Mama

She could talk very well at a very young age.  When she was about 20 months old, she started asking for a baby sister.  Shortly before her second birthday we told her that a new baby was on the way, but we couldn't guarantee a sister.  She simply insisted that she would have a baby sister and we eventually gave up trying to tell her otherwise. 


At Daddy's school concert with expectant Mommy

She came to the ultrasound appointment with us and squealed with delight when the doctor announced that we would be having another girl.  She looked squarely into her Daddy's face and said," See, I told you."  Several weeks later her baby sister arrived.


Such a proud big sister!

Hope immediately embraced her role as big sister.  So caring, protective, and loving.  She absolutely adores Brianna and I'm so thankful that they are best friends.


Sweet sisters- Easter 1997

She started school and some how time began to speed up.  Soccer games, piano recitals, school projects, high honor roll, dance recitals, Kids Kamp, choir concerts, family vacations.



Building sand castles on a visit to the Oregon coast

Braces, band concerts, school dances, JuMP Co. shows, Driver's Ed., birthday parties.


Hope and her Grandpa celebrating their birthdays together.
Her favorite birthday buddy!

Debate tournaments, AP classes, National Honor Society, ACT scores, college campus visits, senior pictures.


My beautiful Hope

When Hope was about 3 years old, she crawled up on my lap one day and said, "Mama, did you ever think you would have a little girl with golden hair like me?"  I kinda chuckled because I couldn't imagine where the description "golden hair" had come from.  It wasn't anything we had ever said to her. 

I responded, "I didn't know I would have a little girl with golden hair like you, but I'm so glad you're mine."  Over the years, she would ask me that question again and again.  "Mama, did you ever think you would have a little girl with golden hair like me?"  Today I will answer her again.  "I didn't know I would have a little girl with golden hair like you, but I'm so glad you're mine." 

Welcome to adulthood, my darling Hope!

Notes of Gratitude

Gratitude is the music of the heart, when its chords are swept by the breeze of kindness. ~Author Unknown

Today...

I am healthy.

I feel safe.

I am forgiven.

I am loved.

Daily Bread

Among today's blessings...

a phone conversation about thankfulness with one of my favorite people.

reading the newest issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine cover-to-cover. 

Brian Williams delivering today's news.  Smart, candid, and just the right amount of humor.

the daily bread that satisfies my natural needs and the "Bread of Life" who sustains me.

“To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.”~Johannes A. Gaertner

Sunday Grace

To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything He has given us...Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace... Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and praise...~ Thomas Merton

So grateful for:

time to worship with those I hold dear.

entertaining dinner conversation.

mommy wisdom shared at just the right moment.

the love of God that never ever fails!

Simple Pleasures

"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all." - Laura Ingalls Wilder    

Today I'm grateful for...

- quiet time spent at the library.

- the yard work we did yesterday before the snow & wind arrived today.

- yummy potato soup & garlic parmesan bread.

- catching up on episodes of a favorite show.

- snuggles with my Hopee.

A Day for Heroes

"But the freedom that they fought for, and the country grand they wrought for, Is their monument to-day, and for aye." -Thomas Dunn English

My heart-felt thanks and deepest gratitude for all of the men and women who have served and are currently serving.  May God continue to bless and protect our military and their families!

Thankful Thursday

Many thanks today for:

my safe teenage drivers.

Bri's homemade chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven.

good conversation at Moms group this morning.

the color blue.  It's my favorite.

the United States Marine Corps.  Today is their birthday.  I sure feel safe knowing they are on the job.

snuggle time on the couch with my hubby.

Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree. ~Emily Bronte

Word-filled Wednesday

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.  And be thankful." ~Colossians 3:15

Thankful today...

for time to catch up on housework.

for the music of Il Divo.  I could listen to them for hours- even though they are singing in a foreign language that I don't understand very well.  They could sing names out of the phone book and I would love it! 

for positive student-led conferences at school.  Both girls had excellent grades and set some good goals for this next quarter.

for my faithful companions that make my life infinitely easier- my washer, my dryer, and my dishwasher.

for creative ideas that come to mind at exactly the right moment.

for headstrong daughters with sensitive hearts.

that I know the Prince of Peace. 

* "Peace is always our home- because Peace is a person, not a place, and He always says come dwell in me." ~Ann Voskamp

 

Present Blessings

"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some." ~Charles Dickens

Some of today's blessings:

- a pain-free visit to the dentist!

- a reminder from my husband that he prays for me throughout the day.

- uninterrupted time to prepare my lesson for Bible study.

- bright sunshine as I worked in the yard this afternoon.

- lots of laughter while making dinner and hanging out with my girls.

- the first win of the season for David's middle school basketball team!

- bright moonlight shining down from a crystal clear sky on a crisp night.

Today my heart smiled...

... when I heard little children giggling as they discovered something new.

... while making dinner with Hope.

... as I listened to Brianna play the piano.

... while I whispered a prayer of thanksgiving for all of the hours of piano lessons and practicing that Brianna has done.

... as I sat in my comfy chair and watched "Dancing With the Stars."

... when I noticed Baxter snuggled in between Hope and Bri and all of their homework stuff (books, notebooks, laptop) on the couch.  He is quite persistent!

... when I heard the garage door opening and realized that David was finally home.

Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world. ~ John Milton

Sunday Grace

Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live. ~Attributed to Jacqueline Winspear

So thankful for...

an extra hour of sleep.

beautiful worship music sung in an atmosphere of joy and community.

the passion and purpose I saw shining in the eyes of my young friend Alex today.

vanilla chocolate chunk muffins.

soft, thick sweatshirts.

snacks and the Amazing Race.

amazing Grace that saved a wretch like me.

It's The Little Things

Today I'm grateful for...

perfectly cooked eggs for breakfast.

time to wander through rows of fabric & dream of endless projects.

soft, furry gloves to keep my hands warm.

my youngest daughter's brave heart that led her to try something new.

crunchy tortilla chips.

Costco.

my generous hubby making a delicious dinner!

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~William Arthur Ward

TGIF

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." ~Thornton Wilder

Today I'm grateful for these "treasures" in my life:

- quiet mornings

- large mugs of hot coffee

- slippers with fur

- successful shopping trips

- text messages reporting safe arrivals of travelling family members

- English village murder mysteries

- quiet evenings

Thankful Thursday

"The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!" ~Henry Ward Beecher

Today I'm thankful for:  

1. the lovely women I get to hang out with during Moms Group Bible study every Thursday morning.  I learn so much from them each week.  They challenge and inspire me to live my life to the fullest.
2. the opportunity I had to learn to read music when I was a child.  It is a skill that has served me well.
3. good conversation with my girls.
4. encouraging words spoken by a friend who knows me well.
5. my birdfeeder and all of the feathered friends who come to visit.
6. all of those who have helped my kids to develop their musical talents.  So amazing to watch my girls perform this evening in the district honor band and orchestra concert.
7. cereal for dinner. 

  

Word-filled Wednesday

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Today I am thankful for: 

• working ELECTRICITY!  My sister-in-law in Massachusetts sent me a picture of their "new fridge."  It is a pile of coolers set up out on their deck.  The snow storm last weekend knocked out their power, so they have had to be resourceful and patient as they wait for repairs to be done.
• clean laundry
• the setting sun lighting up all of the colorful trees in my neighborhood
• laughter
• a brand new toothbrush
• falling leaves that remind me to "let go and let God." 

Simply Grateful

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

grat·i·tude [grat-i-tood] noun  the quality of being grateful or thankful; appreciation
Synonyms thanks, thankfulness, acknowledgement, gratefulness

I have been meditating on the power of gratitude for quite some time.  The stirrings in my heart began during a time when I was totally focused on everything that I did not have... not enough money, not enough time, not enough rest, not enough patience, not enough joy, not enough peace. 

It was during an especially quiet moment one day that I heard a still small voice whisper "What do you have?"  At first I didn't know how to respond.  I had spent so much time thinking about what was absent that I couldn't think of what was present in my life.  Over the course of the next few days I kept hearing that phrase.  "What do you have?"

In the midst of the storm that was raging all around, so dark I could hardly see, I was finally able to count at least one blessing.  Just that little bit of gratitude provided some nourishment to the tiny seed of hope in my heart and I could feel it begin to grow.  

There were many days that I could only find one or two little things to appreciate.  But it is the little moments strung together that make up a life and I soon found myself purposing to notice these little moments.  My focus began to shift to what I did have and I could feel myself breathe deeply again. An attitude of gratitude...

Now it is November... traditionally a season of thanksgiving.  The perfect time to challenge myself to further expand my heart by giving thanks here each day for the gracious gifts I receive from my gracious God.  

Thou hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more, - a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days,
But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise.
~George Herbert

Today I'm grateful for:

• the goodbye kiss my husband gave me this morning even though I was barely awake
• the kind, encouraging words spoken to me by a dear friend when I shared some sad news
• a hot bowl of soup on a cold day
• daughters who strive to do their best even when it's hard
• my sweet Baxter who is content to just sit with me.

Will you take the challenge with me?  What are you thankful for today?

Giving thanks to God is what ushers one into the very presence of God. And this is why He asks us to always give thanks. ~ Ann Voskamp

Word-filled Wednesday

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.”

Lamentations 3:22-24

Monday Musings

Out in my yard today... it's about 60 degrees and sunny with an expected high in the mid-70s.  PERFECT weather as far as I'm concerned.

There are still some beautiful things blooming in the yard. 

My husband and I were blessed to have a close relationship with the couple that we purchased our home from.  They lived here for several years and cared so lovingly for this place.  Barbara was quite a gardener and she planted so many wonderful things in the yard that we get to enjoy. I especially love this pink rose bush.  Barbara was a breast cancer survivor twice in her lifetime.  Whenever I see this bush bloom I am reminded of her faith, courage, and tenacity.  She died a few years ago, but I still feel close to her whenever I work in the yard.

The leaves are slowly beginning to change.  It's a new season... my favorite season!!!!

I'm grateful for... the increase in energy and focus that I have been experiencing for the past few days.  It has been a long time since I have felt this good and had this degree of clarity. Praise God!

One of my favorite things...

As I mentioned earlier, autumn is my favorite season of the year.  Hanging out this welcome sign by my front door somehow makes it feel official!

This week I'm reading... September by Rosamunde Pilcher, one of my very favorite authors.  I try to read this book every year during the month of September.  Her descriptions of the Scottish countryside are so vivid... I feel so warm and cozy each time that I read.

I'm looking forward to... a little quieter week.  Homecoming was last week and I was pretty exhausted by the time it was over.  This week I will finish decorating the house for fall, do some baking, and finish up a few long-overdue projects.

Simple life tip for the week... for a much-needed energy boost,  go spend a little time in a place that inspires you.  I like to wander through bookstores, craft stores, and garden nurseries.  Even if I don't buy anything, I always find something that makes me smile and sparks a bit of creativity.  Spending time outdoors also helps.  A little fresh air clears my head and expands my vision.  Seek some inspiration this week!

The Start of Something New

For most people, January 1st is the start of a new year.  Not so for our household.  Our new year begins with the first day of school.  And it has been so for me throughout my life.  I went from following the school calendar from my own days as a student, to keeping up with it due to my school teacher husband.  Then my own children started school, and so it goes.  The rhythm of our days is established once again with the start of a new school year.  And so today marks another new beginning.

The first day of school... new clothes, blank notebooks, freshly sharpened pencils.  New goals are set by those who are eager to teach and inspire, and by those who are anxious to learn and grow.  The possibilities are endless.  Anything can happen! 

I could certainly feel the nervous vibrations pulsing through our house this morning.  David was up early and anxious to get to school so he would be prepared for his music students today.  My girls were up early so they would have plenty of time to get ready and look perfect for their first day.  It's my job to make breakfast and ask them each at least a hundred times if they have everything they need ready to go.  "Do you have your class schedule? Money for lunch?  Keys?  Locker combination?  School supplies?" 

Then comes the first day of school photo. This morning I got the brilliant idea that we needed to go outside for the picture.  We spent the next several minutes running around the yard trying to find the best light.  God bless my children for putting up with me!  

And then they were all gone.  Off to start a new adventure.  I promised myself that I wouldn't cry, but then I realized that today is the last first day of school my girls will spend together.  Unless Brianna follows Hope to the same college... not so sure that will happen.  My beautiful Hope is a senior; so begins her final year of preparation before she leaves home to passionately pursue her dreams and purpose.  So I got a little teary in that bittersweet moment.  Mostly I'm just so excited for what the future holds for them both!

Now what?  What does the future hold for me?  I've been thinking a lot about this over the summer.  What will I be when I grow up?  One day when I was working outside, my memory took me back to the early years of our marriage.  I had finished college and we desperately wanted to start a family.  After three years of waiting and one doctor's report informing us that we might not be able to have biological children of our own, I found out that I was pregnant.  I remembered thinking that all of my dreams were coming true.  As my mind snapped back to the present moment, I laughed at myself for ever worrying about what I will be, when all of this time I have been "living the dream!"  A wife, mother of two (when I had once feared there might not ever even be one), healthy and able to help and mentor others. What was I so worried about?

The start of something new... the sun is shining, the air is a little more crisp, and I can feel my favorite season of the year slowly beginning to arrive.   I wonder what will happen next?

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Word-filled Wednesday

And you shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything you do shall prosper [and come to maturity].  Psalm 1:3 AMP

a little rest and relaxation

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time. ~John Lubbock