I decided to "Google" 40 Days of Thankfulness. If it's caught on in the Facebook world, I wanted to see what else was out there and surprisingly enough, I found a blogger who ran across the idea and began posting her days of thankfulness in her blog.
Today marks the 40th Day for me.
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 40: I'm thankful for perfect timing. God's hand is always in it-a song playing on the radio at the right time with the right words to get you through the day; a check in the mail for just the amount of $ you need; a surprise phone call/visit; words spoken by a complete stranger; the wind changing course, a stop light, a hug, a smile. GRATITUDE for all things IN ALL THINGS reaps ABUNDANCE.
This has been such a cleansing and eye opening journey for me. However, even though I'm at the "end of the exercise" my attitude of gratitude cannot end here. I try to think of it more as a beginning. The 40 days was just the beginning of how my heart needs to be in each day of my life.
As I discuss perfect timing in my thanks for today, I reflect back on my night last night and the previous day with Jason.
Thursday:
9:30 AM The girls leave for Thanksgiving with their dad and his family.
9:45 Jason and I leave for a fun filled day together, in celebration, in love, and in need of not sitting in an empty quiet house.
10:00 Cinemark - The Blind Side - what an excellent movie - no expectations of it, but I would see it again and again and most likely will add it to my "The Girls Need to Watch This" movie collection.
12:25 Leave movie and head south to III Forks for a 3 course meal
12:45 We are seated and began giving thanks for all we have, are able to provide, and the course both of our lives have taken up to this point
2:00 We leave and head north again - time for New Moon - much better than the first, but a little disappointed it wasn't better ( The Blind Side was REALLY good)
4:30 It's Starbucks time - we barely make it before they close!
5:00 Going to our 3rd movie of the day Precious - I was prepared for the content of this movie and, though, it was disturbing, I believe it painted a very real picture of many of the youth in our country.
7:30 Now what?
The whole day we had been right on time for every movie, every reservation, and even for a peppermint mocha! Perfect timing was in every move we made, every stop at a red light, every moment that danced across our day.
We ended up at IHOP. I ordered a BLT and it came without the T. I laughed it off. After all, "T" had been our theme for the day- so had the number 3. Thursday, Thanksgiving, III Forks, 3 movies, and we never left the toll (Dallas North Tollway).
After that we decided to get home for some sleep before the 4 AM trip to Target!
As a complete side note, any man that can get up that early to shop with crazy people who use shopping carts as weapons, still find the good deals AND make me laugh in the wee hours - is perfect in my book. :)
Last night after we got the girls to sleep and settled in their beds, we settled on the couch with som TV.
Perfect timing. Even though I have this movie - the channel that was on the screen was playing Facing the Giants. I don't care what type of movie watcher you are - this is an excellent movie with excellent scenes and a lifelong message if your heart is open to it.
God's timing is perfection. In the chaos, it IS perfection. Our attitudes reflect our hearts. Faith is going the distance BECAUSE we do not know what is ahead.
As I watch, I realize that the main character decides (chooses) to show gratitude in every situation - win or loss, on the field or off. Once he decides to do this, his life takes an abundant turn.
I begin thinking of this song that I accidentally stumbled upon last week:
I'm Still Yours - Kutless
When my life is not what I expected
The plans I made have failed
When there's nothing left to steal me away
Will You be enough for me?
Will my broken heart still sing?
If I lost it all, would my hands stay lifted
To the God who gives and takes away?
If You take it all, this life You've given
Still my heart will sing to You
Even if You take it all away
You'll never let me go
You take it all away and I still know
That I'm Yours, I'm still Yours
Gratitude in all things, FOR ALL THINGS creates ABUNDANCE.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Change the World?
I just finished reading The Alchemist and one of the main motifs of the book is that everyone in the world has their own "personal legend." A personal legend is very much like a life's purpose or the path that God lead's us on. My Maddie would say her personal legend is to use her God-given talent for art and express emotion through her drawings or to cause emotion from those who see her art.
I think we ALL have a purpose in life and many times it will involve our talent.
I know people who are great at decorating, organizing events, giving, singing, drawing, writing, reading, drawing people closer to God, making people laugh, teaching.....
Well, the list could go on and on, but bottom line is even if you don't see it or don't believe it you have something to give the world.
I think for some of us it's difficult to keep that focus when life gets in the way. We tend to forget how our talents are making other's day or making them smile or showing them something about themselves.
If we choose to ignore these talents or stop listening to that intuition, then we are really failing to fulfill our life's purpose. True happiness comes from following through with those whispers from our soul that tell us to "do what we love."
**********************************
40 Days of Thankfulness
Well, I'm on day 24. There have definitely been days where I've struggled with my nature to come up with something positive instead of leaning on the negative.
Despite that struggle, I've managed to think of usually many, many things I'm thankful for on a daily basis.
The greatest blessing for me is not only reminding myself of the power of my gratitude, but just how fast the idea has caught on with other people.
My friends took the idea and their friends took the idea and so on and so forth....until now we have a 40 Days of Thankfulness group with over 200 members!
It humbles me to see that so many people are taking this concept and literally running with it and passing it on to others.
If you aren't on Facebook, MySpace or Twitter, don't let that stop you! Email your friends and send it out to them each day - or text them your thankfulness. It will surely catch on and chances are they will keep you accountable. :)
We all have the ability or talent to change the world. Sometimes I think we get caught up in the need for it to be a BIG change, but when you think about it, it takes many, many tiny little snowflakes to create a blizzard.
Let the gratitude blizzard continue . . .
I think we ALL have a purpose in life and many times it will involve our talent.
I know people who are great at decorating, organizing events, giving, singing, drawing, writing, reading, drawing people closer to God, making people laugh, teaching.....
Well, the list could go on and on, but bottom line is even if you don't see it or don't believe it you have something to give the world.
I think for some of us it's difficult to keep that focus when life gets in the way. We tend to forget how our talents are making other's day or making them smile or showing them something about themselves.
If we choose to ignore these talents or stop listening to that intuition, then we are really failing to fulfill our life's purpose. True happiness comes from following through with those whispers from our soul that tell us to "do what we love."
**********************************
40 Days of Thankfulness
Well, I'm on day 24. There have definitely been days where I've struggled with my nature to come up with something positive instead of leaning on the negative.
Despite that struggle, I've managed to think of usually many, many things I'm thankful for on a daily basis.
The greatest blessing for me is not only reminding myself of the power of my gratitude, but just how fast the idea has caught on with other people.
My friends took the idea and their friends took the idea and so on and so forth....until now we have a 40 Days of Thankfulness group with over 200 members!
It humbles me to see that so many people are taking this concept and literally running with it and passing it on to others.
If you aren't on Facebook, MySpace or Twitter, don't let that stop you! Email your friends and send it out to them each day - or text them your thankfulness. It will surely catch on and chances are they will keep you accountable. :)
We all have the ability or talent to change the world. Sometimes I think we get caught up in the need for it to be a BIG change, but when you think about it, it takes many, many tiny little snowflakes to create a blizzard.
Let the gratitude blizzard continue . . .
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Lead by Example
"...this provides that outlet"
"Tell me more about the 40 day thing....you know it is never to late to start new."
"Tell me more about the 40 day thing....you know it is never to late to start new."
"What is this 40 days of Gratitude? I really like it, but where did you get the idea?"
"Gratitude really is contagious! Another of my FB friends loves the 40 days, so I invited her along too!"
"How did u stumble upon this 40 days of thankfullness? can i join u?"
"I love this, so i'm gunna join u!"
"I'm interested in 40 days of thanks! Can you give me info on it?"
"Ps - May steal this idea! Love it!"
...mind if I steal it?"
*******************************************
When I began this 40 Days of Thankfulness/Gratitude, I honestly, did it mostly for me. I knew that, personally, I needed to focus on the positives in my life even during the frustration, struggle, tribulation, loss, and uncertainty.
I knew that if I sent out negative energy all I was doing was creating more negative energy. I know better than that even on a social networking site. I know the power of thought and prayer. It's worked so many times in my life for both the things I wanted/needed and for the things I was trying to keep at a distance. So, I tried to think of something that would impact my life, but also be a positive for others.
I had no idea what I was starting, really. After Day 3 or 4, I began getting messages and requests to repost my note. Several friends had friends who wanted to join or who wanted to know what it was about. Of course, this entire 40 Days idea has not been about me but for me. If others were getting something out of it, too, then great! :) I was/am happy to share my note and idea with anyone and everyone who wants to join in on the concept.
Today and yesterday I noticed a boom in people who wanted to join - friends of friends of friends.
I love reading how excited people are about being thankful. I don't know about you but I seriously get enough negativity during the day at work or in other ventures. I don't need to think up more negative or read about it as soon as I log onto Facebook. Don't get me wrong, we all have the occasional vent, but when we find ourselves doing it daily, it obviously becomes a habit.
So why 40 days you ask?
Well, it is no secret that I'm spiritual and have a relationship with God/Jesus. 40 days wasn't something I really noticed until I did a bible study once and it lasted 40 days. After that, earlier this year I began fasting for 40 days. Both times, the 40 days seemed to be a huge commitment, but afterwards, I felt so rewarded and changed. It became a habit and a way of life; something I began to continue even after the 40 days was over. I had cleansed my heart, soul, mind and body. Truly what goes in, comes out, wouldn't you agree? So, 40 Days. But does it end then? I sure hope not! Ironically, my 40 days will come to an end the week of Thanksgiving. Truly amazing, since I didn't plan it out at all.
Why Facebook or other social networking sites?
I've said it before - these sites are astoundingly famous for being able to send information out in such a quick manner. Within the hour we knew that Patrick Swazye had died or who was winning the VMAs.
Why not use it as an "outlet" as someone above describes? Facebook is an outlet. After all, we all love telling what we're up to during our day. And even more so, whether we admit it or not we love the ability to go and see what others are doing without them knowing it. It's a fascination that our society has developed in the past 10 years or so. I think using this power for positivity is a wonderful tool to help change the world and be a leader.
Should we only post status' of our thankfulness?
I do, but that's just me. If I am only posting the gratitude list in my life, then I'm continually focusing on that gratitude. Not everyone does this. Many that have joined are doing their 40 days and then later in the day still posting other things. I think that as long as we are focused on being thankful, positive and showing gratitude then the purpose is being fulfilled. But if we stray from that and let those negative thoughts or vents out, we are more likely to fall back into that pattern of comfort.
I'm not saying I don't want to post those things. I find myself, especially from Day 5 - Day 9 wanting to post about the discomfort of pregnancy, that I had to pay $70 for an appointment that I didn't make, or that I broke my favorite olive oil container. But I hesitated and remembered my goal - changing my way of thinking.
****************************
I don't know how far this idea will go or if anymore people will decide to join with us.
I don't know if some will shy away from it because they think they already have enough gratitude in their lives. (is there really such a thing as too much?)
I don't know if all those who have joined will be up for withstanding the commitment, but . . .
I do know that no matter what - some people are getting in the habit of recognizing their blessings more often and in doing so may be telling those people who didn't know how important they were just how life would not be the same without them!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Power Of Gratitude
I've been thinking a lot about how so many people are on Facebook or Twitter lately. My friends age range span about 50 years. To me, this is an amazing thing and a powerful tool of united people across the globe.
I've also been thinking how fast information gets out to our friends or the public if we have a public profile. We post that someone has the flu and before 10 minutes is over it can be all over a small town.
Then, I was reminded last week, how some people either continually use their status to vent on an on-going basis or they seem status-crazed by updating their status every few minutes.
I have a friend who actually goes in and deletes people based on the substance of their social networking content. Then, because of deleting people, she seems to get flack because the other party thought they were "friends." I have my own opinions of the whole "facebook friend thing," but I'll save that for another day. :)
While sitting at a red light the other day, I realized that I could use Facebook to bring both positivity into my life and remind others of the positives in their life. Some of my own friends already do this and their words of encouragement always make my day better.
I'm a BIG believe in an attitude of gratitude and so I thought as we approach the holidays it would be a good time for me to once again remind myself and the things I'm most thankful for.
I do this for several reasons:
- focusing on the blessings leaves less time for worry
- acknowledging our own blessings allow us more time to also help others
_ an abundant attitude creates more abundance
- gratitude stresses the importance of living in the moment
-being reminded of the non-tangible in my life puts less focus on the things I have or think I need
- creating my own thankful heart helps my girls to develop their own gratitude
- Even on the worst of days, there is always something to smile about or be grateful for
It's so much easier to vent or be negative, but putting thought into being positive creates that positivity we all need during our daily struggles. So - even though I find myself wanting to post a venting status or put a negative spin on something - I won't. And putting those positives in writing makes them even more powerful.
For 40 days I've decided to post my thankfulness of the things and people in my life. Ironically, I will finish day 40 the week of Thanksgiving. I invite you to join me! :)
I've also been thinking how fast information gets out to our friends or the public if we have a public profile. We post that someone has the flu and before 10 minutes is over it can be all over a small town.
Then, I was reminded last week, how some people either continually use their status to vent on an on-going basis or they seem status-crazed by updating their status every few minutes.
I have a friend who actually goes in and deletes people based on the substance of their social networking content. Then, because of deleting people, she seems to get flack because the other party thought they were "friends." I have my own opinions of the whole "facebook friend thing," but I'll save that for another day. :)
While sitting at a red light the other day, I realized that I could use Facebook to bring both positivity into my life and remind others of the positives in their life. Some of my own friends already do this and their words of encouragement always make my day better.
I'm a BIG believe in an attitude of gratitude and so I thought as we approach the holidays it would be a good time for me to once again remind myself and the things I'm most thankful for.
I do this for several reasons:
- focusing on the blessings leaves less time for worry
- acknowledging our own blessings allow us more time to also help others
_ an abundant attitude creates more abundance
- gratitude stresses the importance of living in the moment
-being reminded of the non-tangible in my life puts less focus on the things I have or think I need
- creating my own thankful heart helps my girls to develop their own gratitude
- Even on the worst of days, there is always something to smile about or be grateful for
It's so much easier to vent or be negative, but putting thought into being positive creates that positivity we all need during our daily struggles. So - even though I find myself wanting to post a venting status or put a negative spin on something - I won't. And putting those positives in writing makes them even more powerful.
For 40 days I've decided to post my thankfulness of the things and people in my life. Ironically, I will finish day 40 the week of Thanksgiving. I invite you to join me! :)
Monday, October 12, 2009
What We Need When We Need It
I often write about how God usually sends us what we need at the exact time we need it.
********************
Friday was a very emotional day. Not only was I worried about Madison, so sleep deprived, and missing Avery, but a friend of mine lost her husband after being ill with the flu and developing other complications. I worked with this friend back while I was in college, when their oldest child was just a baby. Although, I never got to spend a lot of one on one time with them, I so enjoyed working with her. She had a great attitude, bright smile and positive outlook on life.
So many from my hometown had gathered either physically or wirelessly to join in prayer for their entire family. I worried for them, but prayed more. My previous post has a bit to do with what I was thinking last week while checking Facebook often to see if prayers had been answered. Unfortunately, Friday afternoon I got word that things had gone from bad to worse.
I hid my emotions from Madison, but around 4 pm, Jason came to the hospital to relieve me. I got in the car, turned on my iPod, and cried during the 40 minute drive home for a shower. I so remember that raw emotion of those first few days. I've written many times about my experience, but have saved most of my writing for the in-progress book that I'm hoping to have published someday.
The next day we got the good news that Maddie could go home. So, with Jason working and Avery not home, Madison and I sat down to watch a movie called Faith Like Potatoes. I've heard good things about it and was excited to just chill, relax, and enjoy time resting.
I did good until about 3/4 of the way through the movie. Not so good. Why did that scene have to be in that movie at the exact time that I just wanted to forget the week? That scene gave me horrible flashbacks to the very day we lost my brother.
Needless to say, I was in tears and not hiding it from Maddie anymore. Just in typical Maddie fashion, she creeped over toward me, started rubbing my hair, and said "It's ok momma." She knew I was sad about friend, she knew why I reacted as I did to the movie, and she knew the lack of sleep we have all been dealing with for 2 weeks. We ended up finishing the movie, and although it's really a great movie, I doubt I will be watching it again "for fun."
*******************************************
This morning I was having to motivate myself to get up and get ready for work. But we all made it out the door on time!
I had a long day of training ahead of me and was just glad I didn't have to teach!
As I rounded the corner to the computer lab, I caught a glimpse of one of my favorite people ever. I've written about this family before after losing their daughter. I had the oldest son during my very first year of teaching and now, ironically enough, I work with him. I have always loved his family, but after their ordeal, I grew to admire them more than they even know. So, this mom has subbed as a nurse before and the last time I ran into her, was a time when I really needed to see her.
Today was no different. I shared with her my weeks events and how I just wanted to relax on Saturday. She shared with me that the same thing happened with her when she tried to watch the movie Fireproof and one of the first scenes from that movie. Boy, did I ever understand that.
She is such a strong, Christian woman who has shown the greatest of strength at the most difficult of times. Her presence alone just makes you feel all warm inside. And every time I see and talk to her, I remember my own strength and what an abundant life I have. I truly can only hope that I can bless someone's life the way that she has done for so many.
And yet again God sent me exactly what I needed at the exact time I needed it.
********************
Friday was a very emotional day. Not only was I worried about Madison, so sleep deprived, and missing Avery, but a friend of mine lost her husband after being ill with the flu and developing other complications. I worked with this friend back while I was in college, when their oldest child was just a baby. Although, I never got to spend a lot of one on one time with them, I so enjoyed working with her. She had a great attitude, bright smile and positive outlook on life.
So many from my hometown had gathered either physically or wirelessly to join in prayer for their entire family. I worried for them, but prayed more. My previous post has a bit to do with what I was thinking last week while checking Facebook often to see if prayers had been answered. Unfortunately, Friday afternoon I got word that things had gone from bad to worse.
I hid my emotions from Madison, but around 4 pm, Jason came to the hospital to relieve me. I got in the car, turned on my iPod, and cried during the 40 minute drive home for a shower. I so remember that raw emotion of those first few days. I've written many times about my experience, but have saved most of my writing for the in-progress book that I'm hoping to have published someday.
The next day we got the good news that Maddie could go home. So, with Jason working and Avery not home, Madison and I sat down to watch a movie called Faith Like Potatoes. I've heard good things about it and was excited to just chill, relax, and enjoy time resting.
I did good until about 3/4 of the way through the movie. Not so good. Why did that scene have to be in that movie at the exact time that I just wanted to forget the week? That scene gave me horrible flashbacks to the very day we lost my brother.
Needless to say, I was in tears and not hiding it from Maddie anymore. Just in typical Maddie fashion, she creeped over toward me, started rubbing my hair, and said "It's ok momma." She knew I was sad about friend, she knew why I reacted as I did to the movie, and she knew the lack of sleep we have all been dealing with for 2 weeks. We ended up finishing the movie, and although it's really a great movie, I doubt I will be watching it again "for fun."
*******************************************
This morning I was having to motivate myself to get up and get ready for work. But we all made it out the door on time!
I had a long day of training ahead of me and was just glad I didn't have to teach!
As I rounded the corner to the computer lab, I caught a glimpse of one of my favorite people ever. I've written about this family before after losing their daughter. I had the oldest son during my very first year of teaching and now, ironically enough, I work with him. I have always loved his family, but after their ordeal, I grew to admire them more than they even know. So, this mom has subbed as a nurse before and the last time I ran into her, was a time when I really needed to see her.
Today was no different. I shared with her my weeks events and how I just wanted to relax on Saturday. She shared with me that the same thing happened with her when she tried to watch the movie Fireproof and one of the first scenes from that movie. Boy, did I ever understand that.
She is such a strong, Christian woman who has shown the greatest of strength at the most difficult of times. Her presence alone just makes you feel all warm inside. And every time I see and talk to her, I remember my own strength and what an abundant life I have. I truly can only hope that I can bless someone's life the way that she has done for so many.
And yet again God sent me exactly what I needed at the exact time I needed it.
Friday, October 9, 2009
There is " No Plan B"
I've discussed on this blog once before the option of Plan B.
My reading of The Shack has brought me and many people I've encountered into a new dimension of understanding those things in life that aren't part of our first plan.
Though, as we are going through them it feels as though someone is punishing us. I've been there a few times, and as I've said before the death of my brother was one of those greater times.
I avoided reading The Shack because I did not want to revisit those emotions. I didn't want to keep asking why or keep not understanding the "plan." I knew the basis of the story and just couldn't bring myself to read about that type of situation or read the families reaction.
As God always does, he continues to try to get into my thick hard-headed brain and feed my spirit and soul the food it needs to go to the next step.
Now, as weeks have gone by and I've let the "dust of the book settle" I've tried to keep myself in the same frame of mind that I left the book.
**************************************************
Recently, so many of the friends I have either close by or long distances have been sick or have family members sick.
Some of them had great hurdles to overcome because of how things are with the flu, h1n1, and the increase in pneumonia, or strep.
For whatever reason, things may not always turn out the way we expect or hope. I've been praying non-stop for specific families the past few weeks. Some have the endings we expect and others have not.
I've been thinking about this for a while and then today realized: There is No Plan B in God's plan. He doesn't need a backup.
We only have a "plan b" because the way we planned it didn't happen or because we expected much different results. Our perceptions require us to have a plan B.
I know I can find many, many, many "plan b's" in my life and I'm sure you might be able to, as well:
* adoption
*death of a young family member or a family member for any reason
*illnesses
*divorce
*step parenting
*loss of a job
*broken relationships
I think Plan B's make us feel like we are more in control and just possibly they give us great hope for our future despite whatever tribulation we have had to endure.
However, I believe that just because "God works incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies doesn't mean He orchestrates the tragedy."
People use to tell me and my family all those generic things you say after someone passes: " God knew something we didn't." "God has a plan" "God has His reasons." There were times I even found myself saying those phrases later in life because that was what I'd heard. But after years of thinking about my own situation and reading as much as I can, my mind opened to a new thought.
To me those phrases mean that we are in a sense blaming God for that event that has unfolded. Maybe blaming is too strong of a word, but I don't believe God reasoned a tragedy, illness, or struggle. My God doesn't work that way and I'm faithful in knowing that He has the ultimate power to take senseless events and turn them around for the good of all of us.
He promises to never leave us. His plan is THE plan. It's hard to remember that but God is good and loves us all the time - not just during the stuff we plan.
"All things must unfold even though it puts all those He loves in the midst of a world of horrible tragedy and loss - even the ones closest to Him."
My reading of The Shack has brought me and many people I've encountered into a new dimension of understanding those things in life that aren't part of our first plan.
Though, as we are going through them it feels as though someone is punishing us. I've been there a few times, and as I've said before the death of my brother was one of those greater times.
I avoided reading The Shack because I did not want to revisit those emotions. I didn't want to keep asking why or keep not understanding the "plan." I knew the basis of the story and just couldn't bring myself to read about that type of situation or read the families reaction.
As God always does, he continues to try to get into my thick hard-headed brain and feed my spirit and soul the food it needs to go to the next step.
Now, as weeks have gone by and I've let the "dust of the book settle" I've tried to keep myself in the same frame of mind that I left the book.
**************************************************
Recently, so many of the friends I have either close by or long distances have been sick or have family members sick.
Some of them had great hurdles to overcome because of how things are with the flu, h1n1, and the increase in pneumonia, or strep.
For whatever reason, things may not always turn out the way we expect or hope. I've been praying non-stop for specific families the past few weeks. Some have the endings we expect and others have not.
I've been thinking about this for a while and then today realized: There is No Plan B in God's plan. He doesn't need a backup.
We only have a "plan b" because the way we planned it didn't happen or because we expected much different results. Our perceptions require us to have a plan B.
I know I can find many, many, many "plan b's" in my life and I'm sure you might be able to, as well:
* adoption
*death of a young family member or a family member for any reason
*illnesses
*divorce
*step parenting
*loss of a job
*broken relationships
I think Plan B's make us feel like we are more in control and just possibly they give us great hope for our future despite whatever tribulation we have had to endure.
However, I believe that just because "God works incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies doesn't mean He orchestrates the tragedy."
People use to tell me and my family all those generic things you say after someone passes: " God knew something we didn't." "God has a plan" "God has His reasons." There were times I even found myself saying those phrases later in life because that was what I'd heard. But after years of thinking about my own situation and reading as much as I can, my mind opened to a new thought.
To me those phrases mean that we are in a sense blaming God for that event that has unfolded. Maybe blaming is too strong of a word, but I don't believe God reasoned a tragedy, illness, or struggle. My God doesn't work that way and I'm faithful in knowing that He has the ultimate power to take senseless events and turn them around for the good of all of us.
He promises to never leave us. His plan is THE plan. It's hard to remember that but God is good and loves us all the time - not just during the stuff we plan.
"All things must unfold even though it puts all those He loves in the midst of a world of horrible tragedy and loss - even the ones closest to Him."
I Hope You Dance.....
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
This has been my song to Maddie since she was a baby. I use to dance with her everyday to this song.
She is my "old soul" daughter. Most times when we meet people, like today at the hospital, everyone comments on how mature she is for her age. She is mature. She is so perceptive and knowledgeable. She listens to everything and already teaches me so much.
I've always believed that God puts people in your life purposefully. I think our children are no exception. Even though we are their parents, they are given to us as a gift. I try to remember this even when life can get busy and chaotic. If we take the time to look closely, we can see God through their words, actions, and love.
Madison dreams big dreams and even copies my practice in creating a dream board (aka vision board).
I started this practice when she was about 3 or 4 and she sat down right along with me and created her own board. When we look back many of our dreams or hopes have actually happened: me meeting Harry Connick, Jr, her having a High School Musical Party, even down to the exact dining room table I have. At times I forget the power of our thoughts, words, and visions.
Madison doesn't. She says that she will be an artist. She has said this for years. I even wrote a while back about the piece she wrote about "God given talent." She loves creating, drawing, coloring and teaching. She attended an art camp this summer and thrived. However, when I ask if she'd like to take an art class after school, her response was "No, mom. I don't want other people to tell me what to draw or how to draw."
No argument from me. :) I don't want people to tell me what to dream or how to dream either.
We discuss all the possibilities of her love for art: making and decorating cakes, being an architect, designing clothes, .......
I have an admiration for her that she may never know. I admire her love for everyone. I admire her giving nature. I admire her sense of humor. I admire her strength. I admire her artistic abilities. I admire her love for God and the ongoing conversations she tells me about having with Him.
I adore her laugh, her smile, her hugs, and her ability to carry on a conversation with most adults.
I hope that she is reminded of God's greatness. I hope that she continues to dream and keep them in sight. I hope that she will always remember that when doors close, many others open. I hope I have given her enough love, wisdom, and insightfulness that she will always choose to dance.
Here's her art from this past week - she decided what and how.....
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
This has been my song to Maddie since she was a baby. I use to dance with her everyday to this song.
She is my "old soul" daughter. Most times when we meet people, like today at the hospital, everyone comments on how mature she is for her age. She is mature. She is so perceptive and knowledgeable. She listens to everything and already teaches me so much.
I've always believed that God puts people in your life purposefully. I think our children are no exception. Even though we are their parents, they are given to us as a gift. I try to remember this even when life can get busy and chaotic. If we take the time to look closely, we can see God through their words, actions, and love.
Madison dreams big dreams and even copies my practice in creating a dream board (aka vision board).
I started this practice when she was about 3 or 4 and she sat down right along with me and created her own board. When we look back many of our dreams or hopes have actually happened: me meeting Harry Connick, Jr, her having a High School Musical Party, even down to the exact dining room table I have. At times I forget the power of our thoughts, words, and visions.
Madison doesn't. She says that she will be an artist. She has said this for years. I even wrote a while back about the piece she wrote about "God given talent." She loves creating, drawing, coloring and teaching. She attended an art camp this summer and thrived. However, when I ask if she'd like to take an art class after school, her response was "No, mom. I don't want other people to tell me what to draw or how to draw."
No argument from me. :) I don't want people to tell me what to dream or how to dream either.
We discuss all the possibilities of her love for art: making and decorating cakes, being an architect, designing clothes, .......
I have an admiration for her that she may never know. I admire her love for everyone. I admire her giving nature. I admire her sense of humor. I admire her strength. I admire her artistic abilities. I admire her love for God and the ongoing conversations she tells me about having with Him.
I adore her laugh, her smile, her hugs, and her ability to carry on a conversation with most adults.
I hope that she is reminded of God's greatness. I hope that she continues to dream and keep them in sight. I hope that she will always remember that when doors close, many others open. I hope I have given her enough love, wisdom, and insightfulness that she will always choose to dance.
Here's her art from this past week - she decided what and how.....
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