One Word...

Last year I was challenged to pick a word to inspire me, to encourage me and to bring purpose.There are so many resolutions, goals etc. that one can aspire to. One word helped me to keep everything in focus and to accomplish those goals. God gave me the word HOPE...and He knew I would need it. There were so many situations throughout the year that God did give me HOPE. Hope for a friend who's family has a very serious heart condition. Hope for a close family friend who has suffered from a brain injury. Hope when I did not understand why God took a little one from us, before we even had a chance to meet them.  Encouragement from friends when Jay was gone on long trips to China. Hope that I will see my grandpa again someday. My heart was burdened also to pray for the youth in our community who have lost hope.  I was inspired to bring hope to others and I pray that I did.

This year I also began thinking about what word I should choose. Many came to mind, but just didn't seem right. One word kept coming up often. FAITHFUL. I heard it in the words of a familiar hymn. Great is Thy Faithfulness. Yes, He has already shown Himself faithful many, many times over the years. I will choose to focus on the ways HE IS faithful this year as well. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;Great is Your faithfulness.
 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,“Therefore I hope in Him!” Lamentations 3:22-24
When times come that are hard I will cling to this verse.
 I will also be working on this in my own life this year. To be more faithful in Bible reading on my own and with my children. I want to be more faithful at encouraging others as I have been encouraged.  It will be hanging up in my home to remind me of HIS great faithfulness!

What I am Thankful for....

This Thanksgiving I have so much to be thankful for...
a wonderful family, caring friends and a God who never fails!
But this Thanksgiving I am especially grateful for one thing...the perspective that He has given my daughter. On our long car ride home she randomly announced all the things she was thankful for with the innocence of a child. Among them were...I am thankful for my family... that I have a dad and a mom. I am thankful that we can buy things when we need them. I am thankful that I am not poor.
The last one took me by complete surprise. So simple, but so profound. Perhaps the recent outing to fill our Operation Christmas Child boxes was fresh on her mind. We had watched several videos with children who had just received a gift for the first time. Whatever her reason, I did not ask. It was enough to hear from her little mind and heart that she has gained true perspective in life, one that I pray she will not easily forget.  May I never take for granted the things that God has given me and always be grateful for what I have...to be mindful of others in need and give with generous abandon. Thank you Father...for these little reminders from the heart of a child.

Day 14

Sunshine

breathing in fresh air

warm day

little ones calling mom

my little boy babbling away

laughter

splashing in the water

fresh chocolate chip cookies

messy chocolate mouths

sweet neighbors

music to refresh the soul

fresh cut grass

an eager, helpful heart

Day 13...

Quiet morning

time to reflect

busy children

giggly boy

cool evening

our sweet neighbors

excited chatter of children

an orange glow on the horizon

Day 12...

maps

flavors that bring back good memories

a warm smile

a kind comment

the culture of a land so far away, but close to my heart

curiosity

my little boy enjoying being in his daddy's arms

a scenic drive through trees

beautiful colored flowers

cascading water, beautiful and grand

bright pink colors

sweet memories made

safety

prayers said by my big girl

her caring heart

getting home

my soft bed and pillow

Day 11...all creatures great and small!

our little girl greeting everyone with a hi

an older man opening the car door for his wife

lazy morning

late yummy breakfast

the beauty of the mountains around us.

trees, green and lush

a kiss

content children

mountains on the horizon

smiles

bright blue eyes

hugs

laughter and tickling

fascination and wonder

crystal blue water

fuzzy little ducks

a kind gesture

beautiful blues and greens of peacocks

Day 10...The Lord GOD made them all...

cool, crisp morning air

excitement

hot coffee

warmth from my family

wonder in my little ones eyes.

the detail in each thing YOU have made!

delicious, fresh fish that falls apart with the touch a fork.

the amazing view of water, boats and sunset

the sounds of the pier

safety driving

soaking up time with my kids

the hearty giggles from my boy

snuggling in warm covers