What more to say

1-31-2012

I think, in all of our lives, there comes a day when we have a realization about who we are, what we've been doing and what we've lacked. This is especially true when you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I learned something very powerful today ...

No matter how many years you've gone to church, how many Bible Studies you've attended, how many Small Groups you've been in, how many times you've read or memorized the Bible or bowed your head to pray.....
WE MUST ".. prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

Did you hear me? I realized that it is not enough to KNOW, we must DO. That is what Christ as called us to do. When you read the Word, it isn't enough to memorize or to be 'moved by' the Word. You must DO what you are told. That's what its about folks. To be obedient to Christ, in all things and all circumstances. You can quote the Bible until you're blue in the face, or go to Church until you're 90... but when you're in a true relationship with Christ it is a POWERFUL thing. Have you ever been reading your Bible or praying and you catch that split second where, until the time it takes to have another thought, you truly sense the presence of the Lord? Take that mili second and amplify it by a thousand. THATS what I want. To get there we need to be NOT just going to church, NOT just praying in all things and all circumstances, NOT just becoming a part of the church family and surrounding ourselves with those who will bring us UP and NOT DOWN... we need to be MOVED BY HIS WORD. Moved to ACTION. To DO. To Implement.

It's a huge undertaking, but it's something I am committed to do in my own life. It won't be easy because I am, after all, human. The only thing to remember is Jesus Loves You (Me) and He is always here, every second of every day. If I want a closer, intimate relationship with Him I must be DOING what He says. We reward our children when they behave don't we? I think, in a way, this is how God must be thinking. Like "How many times have I told you..." and "Not again..." and "No, wait...stop!" but if we aren't LISTENING to Him, we aren't going to hear those warnings, if we aren't reading His word, we aren't going to equip ourselves with the knowledge we need on how we should be living and if we aren't acting out our love, what are we doing with our lives?

I'm moving on uuppp...


Blessings:

#1 For God's POWERFUL message to me today. Thanks to Beth Moore's study on James for that.

#2 For my Husband. Because he really does do alot, he's a thoughtful guy and he really loves his family alot.

#3 For my Children. They are blessing from God. I want to share something with all of you who have children. This is a prayer that, I feel, really touches on alot of what we want for our children.

Father, Your Word is true and I believe it. Therefore, in the Name of Jesus, I believe in my heart and say with my mouth that the Word of God prevails over my children. Your Word says that You will pour out Your Spirit upon my offspring and Your blessing upon my descendants. I believe and say that my children are wise and they take heed to and are the fruit of godly instruction and correction. I love my children and I will diligently discipline them early. Because of that, they give me delight and rest.
Father, I take Your Word that says You will contend with him who contends with me and You give safety to my children and ease them day by day. I confess that You, Lord, give Your angels special charge over my children to accompany and defend and preserve them. I believe they find favor, good understanding and high esteem in Your sight Lord, and in the sight of man.
I confess that my children are disciples taught of the Lord and obedient to Your will. Great is their peace and undisturbed composure. I believe I receive wisdom and counsel in bringing up my children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. And Your Word declares that when they are old they will not depart from it. So, I commit them into Your keeping and I know and have confident trust that they are watched over and blessed of the Lord all the days of their lives, in Jesus' Name.
Amen.
Scripture References from The Amplified Bible:
Mark 11:23; Isaiah 44:3; Proverbs 13:1, 24, 29:17; Isaiah 49:25; Psalm 91:12; Deuteronomy 28:13; Proverbs 3:4; Isaiah 54:13; Proverbs 2:6; Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 28:6. Also see Psalm 127:3-5; Jeremiah 1:12; Isaiah 55:11, not included in prayer

#4 I am thankful for the talents and provisions that the Lord has given to me. I am not worthy, but I am thankful and I admit it is all because of Jesus.

Prayers

I am blessed because...

#1 God answered my prayers in provision for our family
#2 God answered my prayers about work I think
#3 God answered my prayers because my children are all home with me
#4 God answered my prayers and gave me the husband I always wanted
#5 God answered my prayers because I woke up today to be able to be with my family
#6 God answered my prayers, I CLAIM it, and has healed my Cayleigh from being sick.

Lift her in prayers please. Also, Jacob because he seems very sad lately.

Thank you Lord for my blessings!

Rejoice in all things, I say, REJOICE!

Blessings in Music

1-29-2012

WOW what a day. We decided against taking Cayleigh to church this morning because it's not easy porting around a trach collar, oxygen tank, emergency bag, suction machine, pulseoximeter and diaper bag in a stroller - plus, we wanted to keep her home and away from people. (no offense, people)

At any rate, Nic went to pick up Tayla & Jacob who'd both stayed overnight at their friends house and the kids, Juliette and I packed into the good old mini van {yeah, I drive a mini van. Better yet, I'd LOVE a conversion van. Oh, I went there} and headed to church. What an AMAZING sermon today on a verse I'd written on my bathroom tub stall in Crayola Bath Crayons several weeks ago (1 John 4: 7-12)

In a nutshell... God is love. We are made in His image. Therefore - we should love. He touched on how, in the Garden of Eden, before the fall God never commanded Adam & Eve to love one another. He commanded them to be fruitful and multiply, but never had to say "Love one another". Why? Because God loved man, man loved God and man loved one another. Immediately after the fall what happend in Genesis? God called for man and asked why he was hiding. Man replied it was because he was naked. When God asked who told him he was naked - he says the woman you gave me did this to me. For his own problem, man 1st blamed God, then (wo)man. The love was gone at that moment for man to man.

THINK.... Have you ever thought "Does Jesus really love me?" Whether in words, in fear or in action.. have you? Think about it this way.... A man and his best friend grew up together, purchased their first car together, enlisted in the Army together - they did EVERYTHING together. Then, one day, the man and his buddy, Ray, are sitting in a foxhole, eating chocolate bars. Suddenly a grenade is thrown into their foxhole. Ray looks at his friend, smiles, drops his chocolate bar and threw himself onto the grenade. The man had a terrible time dealing with this. He thought, without a doubt, that Ray must be angry with him - that the man hadn't done enough, that he was the one who should've died and he wasn't good enough to be saved from the blast. But as the man and Ray's momma sat on a couch together he asked her "Do you think Ray still loves me?". Ray's momma stands, shakes her finger at him, points to the picture of her boy and cries "Didn't he show you that by dying for you?"

ACCEPT that the Lord loves you. When the enemy tempts you with thoughts, with fears, with situations that might make you think you are not worthy of Him, that you should blame Him or that He doesn't unequivically LOVE you -- - just imagine yourself standing before God. He points to the cross and then at you and says "Didn't I show you that by dying for YOU?"

Jesus LOVES you. YES, Jesus love you!

This song is on my heart and I wanted to post it for you, whoever you are, tonight. It moves me, brings me to tears everytime.. how GREAT THOU ART my Lord, how GREAT THOU ART.


I am GRATEFUL for..

#1 MY LORD
#2 MY SALVATION
#3 My HUSBAND
#4 My CHILDREN
#5 God's PROMISES
#6 God's LOVE - ever lasting, never changing, without ceasing - forever and ever.

For THAT I am thankful

Not so well

1-28-12

The baby isn't feeling well so please lift her up in prayers.

I'm thankful for...

#1 Both Tayla and Jakey getting to have sleep overs tonight. How exciting for them?!
#2 Juliette getting to go out for ice cream with her grandparents - what a treat!
#3 My baby girl, Cayleigh, lifting her head off of mommys chest over and over tonight even though she's not feeling well. Satan has NO hold over my baby girl. I rebuke FEVER, CONGESTION, INFECTION, VIRUS and the LIKE in JESUS NAME!
#4 Church tomorrow!! Hoorah!
#5 A BOOMING business today - I've got 1,000 + fans!! Holy Guacamole!
#6 MY SALVATION!
#7 MY JESUS
and
#8 MY incredible, edible hubby. He IS the best husband in the whole wide world...he's the perfect mix of manly and gentle giant. <3

My Blessing

1-27-2012

I'm thankful for alot tonight, but mostly for the Lord. It seems like His Word leaves an impression on my heart that stays there, and it reminds me throughout my day what I should and should not be doing. His mercy is unending and He must be sick of forgiving me over, and over and over again - but thank the LORD He DOES continue to forgive me over, and over and over again. He's just always speaking to me, laying things on my hart, not letting me forget his Word. God is a good, good God.

Today, I just want to say I'm thankful for....

#1 The Lord, for His Word, for His favor, for His forgiveness, for His kindness, and for His mercy.

#2 For my husband. Because He is kind, he is loving, he is a good daddy, because he's endearing, he's a good man - I love him more than the word love can describe.

#3 My children. They are the source of my joy (and sometimes frustrations) and I'm PROUD to have four beautiful, intelligent children who are home, who are learning more each day and who mommy loves to pieces.

#4 My family. Thankful for my sister who is about to have a baby girl any moment now, Piper, and I'm praying for her to have a healthy delivery and that she misses the flu bug that had overtaken her household. For a dad who fixed my printer issue. For my mom, my brother, my in-laws and my brother in law.

#5 For having the ability to share my blessings with all of you. I'd just ask that you lift up our Cayleigh in prayer that she might continue to thrive, be healthy (for all the kids on that one) and that she not only meet - but overcome all the obstacles and 'milestones' she has yet to encounter.



#5

A.D.D.

January 26, 2012

While I may not always be the most doting mother in the world at times, I always, always love my children. I carry them in my heart with my wherever I am, and in whatever I do. While I was watching a Beth Moore dvd about the Book of James, she mentioned a mother who had written a book about the dance between joy and grief. She only spoke for a short time about this mother who'd been told her baby girl, while still in utero, would be 'incompatible with life'.

This made me think of my last pregnancy. Yes, right there in the middle of the lesson. (I've got A D oohh a butterfly, a dog. I like cheese) .....

I went through my pregnancy with Cayleigh completely unaware that there was any problems. I'd developed Gestational Diabetes and didn't think she moved nearly as much as my other children had, but I chopped it up to the lack of sugar. (Chocolate should be part of the Food Pyramid you know). After she was born, and in the months that went by, and the numerous stays at Ronald McDonald House, and the other parents my husband and I had met it seemed commonplace to hear about others suing their doctors, the sonographer, the hospital, the 'whoevertheycouldthinkof's. How could these people be so worried about MONEY when their children lay in a hospital bed fighting for their life?

It makes me think of what I was reading tonight in James 1:27 that really stuck out to me ..
" Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. "

How easy it is for us to get wrapped up in the world. In this place, this temporary shell of a place, with its ideas, theories, discoveries, theologies, agendas, campaigns and whatever else gets people thinking less about OTHERS, and more about themselves. The idea that we need more money, a better car, a new car, a bigger house, a new wardrobe, those new shoes, that new bracelet.. it goes on, and on and on. Our culture is all about ME and what I CAN GET. But that is NOT what Christ has called us to do. We are to focus on Heavenly things if we are to live this new life He's given us in Christ.

But...I digress. Getting back to all the other parents talking about suing everyone they could place their anger on (and I use 'all the other parents' loosely)... I am THANKFUL that my husband is, and was, of the same mindset I am. What GOOD would that do? To sue someone? We choose not to 'blame' anyone else...because there is nothing to blame. God has made our Cayleigh perfectly and wonderfully. He said so in His word. He knew her in my womb, knows every hair on her head and every day of her life. He intended her for us, and we are THANKFUL. I am thankful.

Further digressing...back to that book. I Google'd it (yes, I used it as a verb) and found out the name of that book - and I'm going to get it. ( I Will Carry You: The Sacred Dance of Grief and Joy

)

Will it be sad? It will probably hurt my heart - but my anguish will turn into joy because I know this woman's heart is for Christ. I want to buy that book because I know it will confirm what I believe already. That it really wouldn't have mattered if they'd told me at 16 weeks my baby had suffered a stroke. It wouldn't have mattered had they told me she'd need surgeries, hospitalizations, a trach, she wouldn't eat by mouth and I'd feed her through a tube, that she'd be 'blind' according to doctors (and I DONT claim that).. it wouldn't matter. Just as, to this writer, it didn't matter to her. Our children, no matter what they face, are given to us as a blessing. Never, ever forget that.

I can't imagine what would've rolled through my head if I'd have known what was going on with my daughter. I'm sure that I will find some of what I would've probably been thinking in that book though. Incompatible with life? HA! Little do THEY know, we are promised ETERNAL LIFE. The only folks incompatible with that are those who choose to ignore it.


SEE how I get off track? Sometimes you just gotta write what's on your heart.
Today, I'm thankful for....

#1 My CHILDREN
#2 My HUSBAND
#3 MY JESUS
#4 My Parents & In-Laws
#5 My CHURCH
#6 My FAMILY
#7 My SALVATION ..... and for that, I am thankful

Much like the Lord wants us to carry Him, and His Word, in our hearts.
By: Angie Smith

A quick note...

January 25, 2012

Just wanted to type a quick note to account for my blessings today...

#1 I'm thankful for my father in law calling today! It seemed like awhile since I'd heard from him and he called to catch up today. It was really cool hearing about how his Bible Study Group was studying Revelations. He had alot of insight on Jeremiah, Ezekiel and other books that he learned from.

#2 I'm thankful for my kids being so great. Jacob really pulled through today with his two friends (next door neighbors) moving away to Washington. He was sad, it was tough, but with a talking to from Daddy and a Daddy hug (those are extra special), he overcame his hurt feelings. Tayla is doing great and her teacher is looking over her grades because she may have recvd Superintendents Honor Roll. Juliette is being good (when she wants to be) and is trying to be a good girl. She was super thrilled to get to talk to Grandpa Dulik today after he'd recvd her drawing. Her special request was to have them come to her birthday party. She's insisting that there will be no party without them there. Cayleigh is doing great and is really working on touching and reaching for toys and for daddy. She's growing and is going to be ONE February 17- I can't believe it!

#3 For my husband and our TV time together at night. It's nice to have that special time to sit together, in silence and watch shows we like. It sounds silly - but peace and quiet, uninterupted television time is the perfect way to wind down at night after an entire day of "Stop being ugly"s and "Don't hit your sister/brother" and whatnot. :) Plus, he's not an 'interupter" When I'm watching a show, even if he's seen it, he doesn't blab...and I like that :)

#4 I'm thankful to have the slight bit of artistic talent that I do have. I started making them snack notes that started out just a smiley face, "I love you"'s and so forth. It's progressed into "Hey mom, can you do Darth Vader tomorrow?" and "I like Ponies" :) Thankfully mine didn't turn out too terrible tonight!

Amazing Grace

January 24, 2012

James 5:14-18
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

How powerful is this promise?

Today, I am just so thankful for the Word. Because Jesus has given us a written instruction manual on how to live. There are answers for everything in the Bible for those who are looking. It is as applicable today as it was a hundred years ago. His Word is Truth.

I am thanful for....

#1 The Word of God

#2 Being able to start a Women's Bible Study group today

#3 That I accomplished one of my "To Do's" in life by reading an entire Book of the Bible. It was James, and it was 5 Chapters, but I did it..and it felt so good. Not because I'd accomplished it - but because His Word is now hidden in my heart and I am listening, watching my own actions, words and thoughts and I am on fire!

#4 My son. Jake received the honor of "Student of the Month". We celebrated by Grandma treating us to dinner at Strings (Italian Food) and he was just thrilled to pieces (and so were the girls)

#5 For my children. Because they are a true blessing, full of questions and full of life. I love them with all that I have and all that I am.

#6 For Cayleigh Jean's newest - PRAISE JESUS! She reaches up to grab Daddy's beard over and over and over again. AND, she usually pulls away and rolls away from her breathing treatments. ...today, however, she decided to PUSH/HIT the tube away with her hand, over and over and over again! *Fist Bump For Jesus!*

#7 For my church. It's a FANTASTIC church! I'm so blessed and glad to have met this amazing woman named Juanita tonight (her and Jesus are 'like this' *crosses fingers)

#8 For my SALVATION. God is GOOD - can I get an AMEN?

#9 My hubby. Because he is always on my Blessings list. Marrying him was one of the greatest blessings in my entire life. Not only did I say I DO, He did TOO!

For that, I am thankful!

Came & Went

1-23-12

Today has just been one of them days. I am blessed beyond belief and rich in love but today I feel blessed in the blessings of another first and foremost....

#1 A friend, whose son had open heart surgery, is already holding him in her arms. He is thriving, already off the ventilator and being weaned off his meds. Hallelujiah!

God is SO good, isn't He? I love the way He hears our cries and gives us mercy in His good and perfect timing.

#2 I'm thankful for my sweet baby girl, Cayleigh. She is such a blessing and richly rewards me with her smiles, her wiggles, her very presence. Our lives may revolve around caring for her - but we are blessed in doing so!

#3 I'm thankful for my children. No matter how much of a headache I may have at times, or how many times I reach for the Tylenol, or how many times I say 'be quiet, its time to sleep', I feel amazingly rewarded in just having them. Its difficult and not always easy - but its worth it.

#4 I'm thankful for my husband. He is everything I prayed for and more {sometimes, much more LOL} and I'm eternally grateful for him. He's a scary looking guy (or so I've been told), but inside he's a teddy bear..[well more like a bear. sometimes he's super sweet and then sometimes fierce and you gotta give him berries and nuts and whatnot or he'll be moody]...AND he puts up with me. *GRIN*

#5 I'm thankful for having a great church. Cornerstone Fellowship (Livermore) is really big if you walk in the doors. BUT - if you get connected, tied in..it's really quiet small..its like..home. Pastor Steve is not only an amazing teacher, he's also very funny and gives life applicable lessons that we can take with us and tie in to our lives throughout the week.

For these things, I am thankful

New Me

1-22-12

I'm at the point in my life, and health, where it's time to put on my big girl panties and put down the ice cream. I started doing Atkins diet again a little over 1 week ago and have already lost 5 lbs. It's not alot, but its something..so....

I'm thankful for...

#1 Having the fortitude to begin a journey to health, with God given strength alone, so that I can be around for my kids {whether they like it or not}

#2 My husband. He's a great cook, he has OCD and really likes to clean {which is perfect for me}, he's always trying to improve as a husband and a father and ... he's all mine :)

#3 My children. 3 Girls, 1 Boy..all under 10. My kids are my daily dose of comedy, Tylenol intake, hugs, kisses, snuggles, wrinkles, early graying, happiness, chaos and love. I wouldn't trade it for anything

#4 The Lord. He's pretty much always on the list because, well, He is the Bomb.Com

Alot, a whole lot

1-21-12

Today I'm thankful for alot, a whole lot {thus the title}! My day has been on a steady stream of blessings in all shapes and sizes.

#1. I'm thankful that the Lord has really, truly tranformed my heart, my thoughts, my actions and my life in such a way that I am actually a good, "Godly" {I use that word LOOSELY} example for my children. Children are likes sponges - so let's make sure they are soaking up more of the Dawn and less of the grease. You can't cut out the grease without it..

#2 I'm thankful for my husband and for the way he always puts his whole heart into everything he does. For the fact that he is drawing closer to God right before my eyes, for the great relationship he has with his parents and for how great of a father he is.

#3 I'm thankful for Jenni over at Portraits of Grace Photography and how she has truly blessed us with images that capture our family, our kids, right where we are in life right now in such a beautiful way.

#4 I'm thankful for Pinterest because I've comes across some pretty magnificent findings - like what Valentine's we will be making for the kids' classes this year. SO CUTE!

#5 I'm thankful for my children. Being a parent is hard, but man is it worth it.

#6 I'm thankful for YOU. Yes, YOU. Whoever you are that is reading this right now...just thought you should know that.

Up Up UP!

1/19/2012

If you all don't mind...I think I'm going to stop trying to remember what day I'm on and just add titles. :)

I'm thankful for:

#1 - Cayleigh lifting her head from tummy position. "Scooting" her entire upper body to any side she wishes and ultimately forcing herself into the letter C position. Sitting better than before when we hold her up. Better head control day after day AND what I think is the attempts to make souds.. I could be wrong, but then, I'm never wrong :)

#2 - My husband. He's the bomb.com

#3 - My kiddos in general... even when they are ugly. They're learning more and more about the Lord and I think Nic and I are setting better examples by, ourselves, trying to learn from Jesus' example.

#4- Sleep. Our night nurse comes tonight. HOORAH

#5 - To be so incredibely blessed with a great husband, four wonderful children and to be in the service of the ONE TRUE KING, YAWEH!

Day 14

January 18, 2012

WHOO HOO! Two days in a row! *happy dance*

Speaking of happy things....

God is so good because
#1 He Listens
#2 He grants PEACE
#3 He Heals
#4 He FORGIVES
#5 He Comforts
#6 He Protects
#7 He Reigns
#8 He IS, He WAS and He ALWAYS WILL BE

and for HIM I AM thakful!

I wanted to put that first and foremost because He is just that. But what's really on my heart is my thanks for...

#1 Cayleigh Jean lifting her head off the floor twice tonight while I had her on her belly. PRAISE GOD!

#2 My husband. Because I've seen him grow so much in his walk with the Lord by his actions. He is more patient, he is more kind, he is less reactive and he has a great big heart (well, that he's always had) - plus, he is being more and more faithful. I like a Godly man...a whole lot. :)
ps He also makes delicious food
pps and he's a great dad
ppps well, that's not really blog appropriate, nevermind

#3 I am thankful for my kids. They are my joy {and sometimes sense of insanity} and I love watching them grow. Tay will be ELEVEN {GASP!} and Jake will be 8 and in less than a month Cay will be ONE {DOUBLE GASP!} and Juliette will be FIVE! {That's a WHOLE hand you know? Well, at least she does, and she'll tell you too.}

#4 I am thankful for God always providing, no matter what, and even when its not what we wanted or expected. He's full of surprises...and for that I am thankful.

Day 13

1/17/12

Today is a good day and has been full of blessings!

What I'm thanfkful for is:

#1 - My husband. Because today he really showed patience and love by taking care of the baby so that I could focus on working. Also, because he's just that good of a guy. I think the most attractive thing about him is his continual desire to draw closer to the Lord. It's important to have a family that is centered around Christ and with both of us trying to do that it becomes a reality. For that I am thankful

#2 - My children. This morning, while the kids were eating breakfast, we all sang together. The B-I-B-L-E and, several times, I'm In The Lords Army. They came home today and they really didn't argue much at all, they did their chores, and I even heard them singing it througout the day. Love that. During evening prayers, well, I'd said to them "Okay guys, tonight while I'm praying I want you to think about anything you might have done today that maybe wasn't what Jesus would want us to be doing and I want you to ask Him to forgive you for that" and there was just this total silence the entire time I prayed. Really, really good stuff.

#3 - The talents that the Lord has given me & the direction He is leading me in. To bless others is something God has called me to do. I remember very clearly, many years ago, a Pastor who gave a message and it was summed up to this : "Give of Your Time, Treasures and Talents" Whether its money, its material items or love..its all important to Him if you use it to glorify Him.

Day 12

1/15/12

Thankful....

#1 for my parents & in-laws

#2 For Gods continued provisions, love, grace, forgiveness, patience, protection and peace

#3 For my husband {aka Mr Wonderful} and my marriage. I can't believe its only been (almost) 2 years. Its seems like I've known him all my life, but I guess that's what happens when you marry the man God created for you (and vice versa)

#4 For the woman at church this morning who sang "What a Friend We have in Jesus" SO Powerfully! Here's the original that Reverend Martin Luther King Jr had at his funeral

#5 My kids!

#6 THIS ...need I say more? For that, I am thankful

Day 11

January 14, 2012

Today's blessings come in the form of video. Aside from:

#1 My husband & my marriage
#2 My children
#3 Tayla making superintendants honor roll
#4 Jacob having all A's
and
#5 Juliette just being Juliette...

I'm thankful for being able to finally load these videos of Cayleigh during her last therapy session. I'm also thankful for...
#6 Tomorrow being Sunday - CHURCH!

#7.....Cayleigh rolling "on queue" :)


#8 ... Cayleigh rolling down the incline like a champ
(The video sound at the end is a bit off because the screen froze. but CHECK HER OUT!)


I'm so super proud of my little baby girl. I can't begin to tell you how incredibly BLESSED I feel to be her mother. She is strong, she is smart and she is beautiful. I feel so blessed that she's home, that's she's growing stronger each and every day and that God is working MIRACLES in this day and age! She is His and I am SO thankful He chose me...He didnt have to, but He did. She has taught me more in 10 (eeek almost 11!) months than I knew in a lifetime. For that, I am thankful

Day 10

January 12, 2012

Tonight I'm thankful....

#1 For the Lords healing and peace. I was having a fuzzy feeling head and my blood pressure was up for about a half an hour. I decided to pray and it came down. Still, I'd appreciate any prayers you could extend to me.

#2 - I'm thankful for my husband and my marriage. My husband is a good man, he is my better half and he keeps me calm when I'm panicked about #1 lol

#3 - I'm thankful for my children. For their health, for their smiles and for simply having them in my life each day.

#4 - I'm thankful for my salvation.

#5 - I'm thankful for my family, my friends and to have the ability to keep in contact with them

#6 - I'm thankful to be able to use my time, treasures and talents to help others. I am going to make it a priority to do the Lord's work first, to help others and to be a blessing

Day 9

It's still 1/11/12 for 10 more minutes...


Quickly...

#1 I am thankful for the Holy Spirit. For the Lord teaching me in every action I take and every word I speak on an intimate level... His word hides in my heart and for that I am grateful

#2 For His word. "Spare the rod, spoil the child". It has helped me in disciplining my children today, though "God is love" comes first, when required I am confident in my Lord and know that with a loving heart and obedient spirit to my Father I can attempt, with my husband by my side, to raise our children in a Godly way

#3 For my night nurse, Gina. She is amazing

#4 For my husband and my marriage. He is my better half

#5 For my children. I love them, adore them and pray for them each and every day.

#6 For women of faith who inspire me and walk on this narrow road alongside me. Elli, my grandma, my aunt Kadee, my cousin Brie, my aunt Jean, Juliette, Jenni, Lucy, Jessica and all of the other women of faith who I gain wisdom from

#7 For sleep. and now, I go

DAY 8

January 10, 2012


As I sit here with the lights out, I've decided on one extra thing to be thankful for today :)


#1 - I am thankful that I am a skilled typer who doesn't need to look at the keyboard when I type. Otherwise, right now, I'd be a little spiffed at the Mr. for having the lights out so he can watch TV while I type this (*grins*)

#2 - I am thankful for a God who is good, who is forgiving, who helps me each day to meet the goals that I have for myself and have placed at His feet. I pray always, and in all things, to be a better mother and a better wife. He puts the littlest things in my head that really help the kids feel extra special, loved, and whatnot. Like a note in their snack bag for school with a silly joke and a word of enouragement, or a (at times reluctant on their part) hug for no reason at all. I try to do that as a wife too but he always looks at me weird when I pack him a snack bag for school...go figure.

#3 - I am thankful for my husband & my marriage. The two are one, and so are he and I. He's a good guy, has a big heart, is funny (most of the time), is easy on the eyes, loves the Lord and puts up with me. I'm awfully thankful for him :)

#4 - I am thankful for my children. Tayla, Jacob, Juliette and Cayleigh. My loves, my life.

#5 - I am thankful for my Aunt Jean. I haven't been able to talk to her as much lately, but I am awfully thankful for that woman. My youngest daughters middle name is after her (and my father in law, Gene) because she just means that much to me. I don't think I've told her that lately - but here it is. :)

#6 - I am thankful to be alive. To be here to enjoy my family and to have the opportunity to share my testimony and relationship with the Lord with those I encounter...but the day I do leave to meet my Lord is going to be a very good day indeed!

Day 7

January 9, 2012

Today, I'm thankful in Picture & Video.

For this incredibly smart little miracle who is the sunshine of my life


For these moments - need I say anything more? {I'm jealous of my own eyes when I watch her..wishing I had a video camera in them}





For Cayleigh having got her trach - she has THRIVED since that day

For my husband as a baby - because what he learned from then to now (thanks to his Mom, Linda, and dad, Gene) made him who he is . Plus, he kinda looks like the kid above


(and...the Him now too... he's pretty cute)


For my oldest three...they are a handful ...but man are they worth it :)




For Sissy, because she is the reason I became a mother {literally}



For moment like these....


and finally, for my marriage & my husband.

Day 6

January 8, 2012

I'm am so very thankful that..

#1 - That the Lord loves me despite my slip of the tongue every now and then, my not always giving 100% to Him, for missing my Bible reading this morning, and for just plain not being the chipper, nice, loving, Fruits of the Spirit kind of gal today *sigh* I am so thankful that He loves me inspite of myself.
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15). (I pray I am more like Him with each moment I take breath)

#2 - For my husband. No matter what, he's my guy and I love him. We're all only human (if you can imagine that) and praise the Lord for giving me the man I married. He puts up with me, I put up with him. We're like peanut butter and butter(seriously, it's that good)

#3 - For my children. Because every day I want to be a better mother for them and because of them. They are dependent on me to be an example, to show compassion, love, patience, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I pray I bare much fruit for them

#4 - For Cayleigh being home. That in itself is just so good

#5 - For Jessica's baby shower being such a success for her. (and the cupcakes because man.were.they.goooood)

#6 - Because the Lord always, in all things provides. and for that, I am thankful

Oh MAN! Day 5

*sigh*
Day 5 - (even though I missed yesterday...*shaking head*)
January 7, 2012

Today I am thankful...SO thankful... to Jenni from Portraits of Grace Photography. She blessed our family with her amazing time & talent today and we are truly grateful. In no particular order, here are some amazing photographs & people I am thankful for....







I'll continue though - because besides
#1 Jenni and her blessing our family with photography
#2 Nic, Tayla, Jacob, Cayleigh and Juliette

there is MORE...

#3 I am thankful for a God given talent of being able to make headbands as both a creative outlet and a time for me to decompress. It is not by my own hands or knowledge but by the skils He has blessed me with (which I do not deserve but do appreciate)

#4 I am thankful for my nieces. Riley (she's 2) and soon to be my new baby niece Piper (3-5 weeks away) who I am so blessed to be the aunt of. Please keep my sister Jessica lifted high in prayers for a healthy pregnancy, delivery, baby and for minimal pain and maximum healing.

#5 For my marriage. I'm thankful every day for my husband. He does so many things that I appreciate that I can't really express it because this blog post would never end - but he is truly a really great guy. I'm lucky and I don't deserve him {but you can't have him}

#6 Above all else - I am thankful for my Lord and King through whom I am able to wake each day to see my family, sleep each night safely in bed, have been forgiven all things I've done and will do {which I'm sure is ALOT} and who I will praise in worship every day of my life.{and thereafter! HALLELUJIAH!}

Day 4

Thursday, January 5, 2012

I just hesitated typing 2012 and thought to myself, "Is that right?". It is though - TWO ZERO ONE TWO. That's amazing. It seems like just last week it was 2011. *wink*

Today, I'm thankful for:

#1 I'm thankful for Cayleigh being so strong. She was on her stomach tonight and I held her head up and said "look, look around Cayleigh" and she did. So then I rolled her, side to back, back to side, and she decided to roll herself from her side to her stomach. There, she lifted her head off of the mat at least 7 times. Amazing!

#2 I'm thankful for my children learning about God's promises and for them praying, leading prayers and 'adding in' while others are praying for what they're thankful for, what they hope for, etc.

#3 I'm thankful for the dinner time question "What was your favorite part of your day?" It's a great way to connect with your children amidst an otherwise complicated, chaotic and disconnected day. (..and we all have them)

#4 I'm thankful for my husband. Every day I think he'll be on the list...no matter what I'm thankful for him. He's one of the greatest blessings that the Lord has given me

#5 I'm thankful for the creative designs that the Lord is putting in my heart for my business.

#6 I'm grateful for our night nurse, Gina, that we have during the week days. It's wonderful to have someone who is not only reliable, but also a Christian, to help take care of our daughter

Giveaway!

There is cash involved! Check out the giveaway at www.fortytoesphotography.com !

Day 3

Day 3
Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Tonight I want to share a huge accomplishment & my thanks. I worked with Cayleigh for almost a half an hour on moving her arms to reach for a toy I had hanging over her head. I rattled it, encouraged & excited her, remained silent and whispered to her and prayed & prayed & prayed. She had her hands on her tummy in her "thinking thumbs" position which is where she uses her thumbs on each hand to pull up and touch the fingers on the opposite hand. She sat like that for quite some time and even raised her right hand up just a touch every now and then. She finally dropped her arms to her side and it looked like she was about to go asleep but I touched the top of her right hand with the toy twice, still praying, and she suddenly took that arm, reached it up and got the toy! She held it on her stomach, clenched tight to her body with her little fisted hand and then moved it to a more midline position by inching it over, then reached up her left hand and touched that toy.

It was short lived before she pushed the toy off of her as she does - but it was amazing... and so, today I am thankful for:

#1 Cayleigh reaching for, and getting, her toy that I so annoyingly dangled over her face

#2 My husband, for being so extremely thoughtful ALL of the time. He is forever doing the little things (and those count the most) for both me and the kids. Today he sat with Cayleigh, playing his new Ipadish thing, while I worked to get pieces ready for a sale I plan

#3 Juliette's effort in trying to ride her bike with no training wheels today. As I ran along side her, attempting to balance her, she managed to ride for several feet quite a few times. We're not there yet, but we are certainly a LONG way from the tiny, fraile "failure to thrive" baby I had in my arms so many years ago

#4 For my chidlren using God's promises now in their prayers. I am so proud of Tayla as she leads prayers for the other kids, and then Jacob and Juliette chime in. It is a more wonderful feeling to hear my children pray than anything I can describe with just words.

#5 My marriage. On Christ the solid rock we stand, all other ground is shifting sand. I love my husband because he loves Jesus, because he TRIES, because he PRAYS, because he GOES TO CHURCH and because he is my best friend in the whole wide world (and a good kisser)

#6.....I've been waiting to post this because I wanted to add it in... I'm thankful for a MICHIGAN WOLVERINES SUGAR BOWL WIN!

Day 2

Day 2
Monday, January 3,2012

Today is a day of many blessings. I want to just list everything I can possibly think of to gives thanks for but I am afraid if I deem this list "everyhting I'm thankful for" I will somehow forget something, or someone, and there will be ill feelings. So, I'll call this my...

List of Everything That I can think of at this Moment that I'm Thankful For

#1 My Husband. Everyday I am thankful for him. Maybe because I'd prayed for him and even written a list about all of the qualities I wanted him to possess. Maybe because I had even, at one point, lost hope that I'd ever find him and yet God has brought him into my life. This is not to say that he is perfect - but he's perfect for me,and -even better than that - he loves me and my imperfectness.... and for that I am thankful.

#2 My Children. Tayla, Jacob, Juliette and Cayleigh. To say that I have been truly blessed in my life would be an understatement. I've grown because of them both physically (wrinkles, gray hairs, waistline) and spiritually. My house is never quiet (unless they are outside or sleeping), its never 100%50% clean , there is a never ending pile of laundry and sometimes I go to the bathroom and hide... BUT... my house is always full of laughter (hey,somebody is either making a joke or making fun of somebody), my house is always full of love, my children teach me to draw closer to God (for sanity, peace, patience..), my walls are never short on Crayola covered pictures, I get to attend parent teacher conferences and hear about how gifted they are and feel proud, I get to watch them Learn and Grow, I get to kiss four little foreheads each and every day and my heart is overflowing with LOVE. For them, I am thankful

#3 - Cayleigh. I know I've already covered children in my last post but this little girl has truly changed my life. Having a child with special needs is challenging. No little boy or girl dreams of one day growing up to have a child with special needs, one who is hospitalized more often than home or who cannot always reciprocate the effort you put into your relationship with them - but if I could go back and be a little girl again - I'd dream for it. Why? Because having Cayleigh, a little girl with special needs, has taught me what Unending, Selfless, TRUE Love is in it's realest sense. She may not always smile at me, she may not reach her arms out for me to pick her up or meet those 'milestones' some idiot thought up 'on time' - but she LOVES me and I LOVE HER. With all of my heart, with every ounce of my being and until the day that I die. She is my heart. Sure, it's challenging, sometimes very tiring and it'd be easy to take the road to self pity - but I won't. I don't feel sorry for myself - I feel BLESSED. The Lord blessed me with Cayleigh and He brought me to a closeness with Him that I would have never had otherwise..of that I am certain. She has taught me to be unselfish, to be patient, to be faithful and to PRAY. Every moment of every day.. because God does answer prayers. She's a testimony to that

#5 I am thankful for Contemporary Christian music. Artists like Phil Wickham, TobyMac, Mandisa, Third Day, David Crowder Band, Laura Story, Christ Tomlin, Casting Crowns, The Afters, Mary Mary, MercyMe and radio stations like KLOVE help me get through the day. The music is uplifting and truly makes a difference in my attitude every day

#6 I am thankful, above all else, for a Forgiving, Always Loving, Wonderful, Glorious, Righteous, Powerful, Sovereign, Mighty God who sent His Son to die on the cross, shed His Blood to cleanse MY sins and those of my children so that whoever should believe in Him shall not perish, but have EVERLASTING life. and for THAT- I am thankful

Day 1

Day 1
Sunday, January 1, 2012

I happened to come across a friends friends post (imagine that) on Facebook where she had written about a journal she kept every day, for the past several years, in which she kept track of her thanks to the Lord for that day. She encouraged those who woul d read her post to begin their own journal or blog in which they could keep record of their own thanks. THAT my friends is why you are reading this post.

How many of you have seen the 30 days of thanks posts that folks, like me, try to keep up with during the month of November and leading up through Thanksgiving? This is like that..but harder and more challenging. I like a challenge. Truthfully, I want to keep count of, and share, the many, many ways in which the Lord has and continues to bless my life.

Today I am thankful.....
1. For the ability to attend church when so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ overseas cannot
2. For a husband who loves me and our children
3. For Jesus promises.