She Laughs

I am terrible with emails. My inbox is always overrun with unread emails. In fact, over the holidays, I hit a new high- or new low, depending on how you look at it- over 1,700 unread emails. There are a few people in my life that can't stand this problem I have. For some, is bothersome- really bothersome, to have unread emails. Who knew?
Well, anyways, I signed up for an automatic, daily email. While I am sure that means there will be days that the automatic email adds to my unread email total, I am looking forward to the emails.
My church sends out a daily SOAP email. SOAP = Scripture, Observations, Application, Prayer.
This is a good thing.

Lately the SOAP has been going through Proverbs. Today, it is on Proverbs 31.
There are many words that challenge in these verses. Today, my heart is moved by these words in particular.

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity,
    and she laughs without fear of the future.
²⁶ When she speaks, her words are wise,
    and she gives instructions with kindness.

She laughs without fear of the future. I want to live without fear. I want to laugh. Not that long delirious laugh I sometimes have when I am overwhelmed. I want to laugh with joy.

She gives instructions with kindness. I'll be honest. I have four kids and my instructions are not always shrouded with kindness.  I will focus on that.

SOAP is a good thing for me. It is a great start to each day- a little strength to go. I am not sure about the dignity but I am quite certain that reading scriptures with help with that. My words are not always wise, but then again, scriptures should help with that. And, of course, scriptures will help with any kind of instructions I give and the way I give them.

I am not afraid of the drudgery of this day. I laugh in the face of my fear of insignificance and doldrums.


Oh, and this morning, my unread email count is 26.

A warm cup of coffee

This morning, right before he left for work, I watched my husband pour his unfinished coffee into my cup of coffee.

He didn't know I saw him.

It was... icky.

I cringed and laughed internally.

It is wonderful, despite the fact that it irked me. He didn't even hesitate. He just did that.

So, it's sort of wonderful.

I think.

We've been married a long time. 20 years.

So, I think there's a beauty in that moment... somewhere.

What was he thinking? 'Don't waste warm coffee?' 'I'll warm up her cup?'

Was it an endearing gesture of love, even though he didn't think I saw him? Was it a be wise with a precious resource moment?

And, I wonder, Was this the first time? Does he do this and I don't know it?!

Ah, married life.
It is the most wonderful thing. Really, really.

He better not be using my toothbrush. I would have to draw the line right there.

Thursday Thanks Tank #209

I am thankful for:

Phone calls
Cooler temps. I'm talkin' low eighties! Gotta love Florida.
My puppies. They are five months old.
Lemonade stands.
Kind people who stop at lemonade stands. My kids have been doing lemonade stands to earn money for their school. My daughter's teacher had her husband (and dog!) stop by. And one of the last customers donated $20.
A great run. I've enjoyed some nice runs with friends lately but yesterday. I ran on my own and I kept a good pace. It felt great.
New friendships.
Pictures.
My husband wanting to talk to me. This list would be longer but my husband and I kept talking. It's a good problem to have. I just love talking to him.
Sleep... Zzzzzzz.....

Thursday Thanks Tank #208

I have been going through a desert. I chose the dry land but I didn't recognize it for what it was. It was desolate. Beautiful but barren. Space to breathe but more space than I needed.
I am thankful for being called out of the wilderness.

I am also thankful for these things and so much more:
My friend's husband's safe return from a deployment to Africa. So wonderful to see a family reunited!
The kindness of strangers. Recently my 10 year old and 7 year old did a lemonade stand to earn money for their elementary school. They earned $97.50 in just over two hours. People were more than kind with donations. It was heartwarming.
The kindness of friends and family. Many of my friends, most of whom don't know my kids, and family donated to their fundraiser efforts. Super sweet.
Schools and Teachers. My kids spend many, many hours at school. I am thankful for everyone who is dedicating their time to my kids. Teachers give so much to my kids.
Honesty. I am thankful for those moments when you see a true honesty and it gives insight into the complexity of a relationship.
My recliner. The kids keep trying to claim it. It's my favorite chair and I love it. Sitting in it right now, as a matter of fact.
My puppies. We got 2 miniature schnauzers this summer. They are the sweetest things. It has taken a little longer than it should have to potty train them what with the chaos of our house, but I think they are doing great. My daughter asked me today why I talk to them like my sons. (Oh sweetie, they will still be here when you have all spread your wings to fly away.) Speaking of talking to them... I do it all the time.
A rare moment of clarity. I had the wherewithal (I really like that word, by the way) today to realize I needed to skip an activity to tend to an overrun to do list. Everything had been snowballing for a while and I realized that I could stop and give attention to areas that needed attention. It was good to know what I needed to do and not have any doubt about it.
Maturity. No, am not thinking of mine- ha! I have had several moments lately when I have seen my older sons (14 and 12) seem to mature before my eyes. They are making better decisions. It's so amazing to watch them grow and mature.
Laughter. My family laughs a lot. I love it. Love, love, love it!