Monday, March 17, 2014

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!


From the Leprechaun Chase








Before school this morning


Friday, March 14, 2014

Thankful Thursday #202 on Friday

Yesterday was the kind of day when nothing went well.
It started at breakfast when my tooth broke while I was eating breakfast. Apparently, my old filing was no longer sufficient and decay occurred under it. That was a really bad way to start a day. I scrambled to get the kids to school while I was panicking about my tooth. I got an early dentist appointment. I found out that my break was the worst kind of break possible. My mouth was numb for 4 hours. I wept at home. When I went to get my son from school, he was crying. We went back in to talk to one of his teachers. It wasn't the best impromptu conference with a teacher I hadn't met before. I am disappointed- not with my child but with the teacher that my son meets with once a week. Needless to say, my son came home in a grumpy mood. After a few shouting sessions between him and his siblings, I sequestered him in his room with a snack and a good book. Oh, and during the the shouting sessions, the relator called. The house we rent is up for sale. We are planning to move this summer. The house was shown on Wednesday. The relator was calling to tell me that they put an offer on the house and that she is going to try to talk them into letting us continue to lease for the next few months until school is out. And if that doesn't happen... no stress there.
My tooth was still hurting. I went to bed early after a glass of wine.
Yesterday was just a bad day.

Today is a new day and I am determined to be thankful.

I am thankful for:

My husband who lovingly took care of me yesterday when I wasn't at my best
My brother-in-law coming home from his 10 month deployment TODAY!
My son excelling playing the trumpet in jazz band. His second jazz band concert this week is tonight.
Sunshine. The weather here is gorgeous. Bring on spring!
Music. The best part of yesterday was the run I squeezed in. I really enjoyed escaping to the sounds of my music.
Coffee. A hot cup early in the morning is just perfect.
Flowers. I have some pretty annuals I am going to put in pots today. Again, bring on Spring!
Humility. I just volunteered in my son's class. The whole class was reprimanded because so many of them forgot to bring things to class today. My son was included in the group. He forgot a journal, which he was certain he had put in his 3 ring notebook. He was visibly upset. His teacher didn't buy his 'I think it fell out' response. Upon returning home, I found that I had taken it out of his notebook when I took out the 'leave at home' papers. I humbly went back to his class and apologized to him. Oh sure, I could have waited until he was home but I knew he would be relieved to know it wasn't his fault.
The local sandwich shop. About once a week I treat myself to a sandwich from the local sandwich shop. I love supporting local businesses. I also love a good sandwich.
Coloring pages. My new thing to do with my daughter is color. It's been a fun together activity. She's even willing to let me color on the pages when she is in school. I haven't done that yet but you never know what this afternoon will bring.
The weekend. I'm ready for the weekend. It is going to be a nice mix of activities and relaxing.

I am going to continue to focus on being thankful today.
I'm also focusing on this verse:

From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2

Monday, March 10, 2014

No blindfolds

I read this tonight-
When you are a believer — and you stop counting blessings?
It’s like blindfolding yourself and wondering why everything’s black.

Simple words. Such truth.

I cannot be who I am to be without appreciating who I am already and what I have been given. Too often, I just get wrapped up in the pain of life. I hurt constantly for those who hurt. It's an affliction. It's a gift.

It's the season of Lent. My heart is full of longing.
I am stretching myself.
It is good.

It's been too long.

I've only been participating in the Lenten observance for a few years. It's a great discipline for me. My heart is broken and longing and needy. It's a good place to be before celebrating Easter.

I am so far from where I want to be. Simply recognizing that- that is a great thing.
I am not going through each day full of the world. I was. It's easy to do. I am not blindfolded.
The light of the world. That's what we are called to be.
I want to shine.
Love shines.