Thankful Thursday

We've had a busy week. We are getting ready for a garage sale on Saturday.  Last Saturday we started to our niece's birthday party; however, Titus threw up on the way when we stopped for lunch so we headed back home.  In the night he had thrown up for his first time ever but was fine Saturday morning so I thought he was good to go to the party.  After that he didn't get sick any more and was his normal self Sunday and Monday.  In the night about 11 Monday night till about 3 he was very restless and would not sleep and started running fever.  It was low, he didn't have other symptoms really, and he just wanted to sleep Tuesday.  Then by afternoon he was fine.  I thought it was the medicine helping him feel better, but he was fine all evening.  He started running fever again in the night, but then in the morning Wednesday he was fine and has been okay since.  So I don't know what was going on with him but he seems better.  Maybe allergies.

This week I am thankful for...
~ being married to my husband for almost 16 years.  We are less than a month away from our anniversary!

~ going to our boy's band concert. All of the bands performed, and it was great to hear them.

~ our little guy feeling better.  I felt so helpless when I didn't know what was bothering him.  He just wanted his Momma and that was fine with me.

~ finding so much stuff for our garage sale.  I hope it is pretty weather, and we have a lot of customers to buy our stuff!

~ "receipt day" at Chic fil a......We went and the line was out the door. A lady came behind us and asked what was going on or was it always so busy.  I told her about receipt day....whatever you buy on that day you save your receipt and bring your receipt to get the same items for free anytime in July.  The lady decided to stay and wait.  We talked a little and she told me we could have her receipt since she was just passing through. She said she hoped we liked what they ordered and that it would bless our family.  It was a fun little surprise to get an extra receipt!

~ a beautiful rain at our house last night.  It was very heavy for quite a while it seemed.  It has been a while since it rained here.

What is on your thankful list today?

Have a day of blessings!
    Bethany

Monday Music!

I found the name of the song I mentioned in Thankful Thursday. I wanted to share it today.

Happy May! 💐🌼

Lately I have not listened to the radio because I usually listen to my audio books from the library. Last week when I was in my Mom's car I heard this song and had to email the radio station to ask the title. It's called "Count Them All." I hope it encourages all of you, whatever you are facing this week. I know some of you are going through some really difficult challenges. Whatever kind of week you are facing, know that God loves you. Take a minute to think about your blessings and to "Count Them All" today.



Have a day of blessings!
  Bethany

Book: Little Prayers to Bless Your Day

I received this cute little book from Harvest House publishers for my review.  (And it really is little....it measures 4.5 x 4.5!)

Little Prayers to Bless Your Day is written and illustrated by Chris Shea.  This is such a sweet book that reminds the reader of many times to pray in the day besides the normal times we usually think about praying like before meals or at bedtime.  Have you ever thought to pray a prayer of thanks about going to the grocery store?  Have you ever prayed while doing laundry?  Have you ever prayed during a moment of impatience? 

I recommend this book to you and find it to be a great reminder of all the times we can and should pray throughout our days.  The illustrations are simple yet fitting for the pages of prayers.

Thank you to Harvest House Publishers for providing this book for my review.
 
Have a day of blessings!

My year of gifts....

Last year I read the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.  If you haven't read it, you should!  I want to reread it sometime.  On my birthday 2011 I started recording daily gifts in a journal at night before bed.  I have recorded 1982 gifts as of 2-26-12. 

I have gone through and reread this journal of gifts.  It was such a blessing to remember all of these special gifts God has given me through the year.  It brings tears to my eyes as I type that.  I'm so glad God has given me this blessing of recording these gifts and remembering them.  It brought a smile to my face to remember the funny things that were said, the special words of my husband or son, the encouragement of friends, spending time with special people, the growth we've seen in our son. Only God would have known just how much I needed to be reminded of all these gifts from the past year on this night before my birthday after a weekend in which my whole family has been sick. (Thankfully we are on the mend, but it was very stressful overwhelming feeling as we were all  feeling so poorly.) 

I am so blessed on this day and every day.   There are so many things I found repeated through this book; many of your names (my blog friends and family members) are written time and again throughout this book.  Thank you for your friendship and the blessing you are to my life! 

I marked some of the gifts and wanted to share them with you today one year later from starting.  I was going to limit it to 33 as I am turning 33 years old today but I couldn't stop at sharing only 33! 

Here they are as they are numbered in my journal...

4.  watching Caleb ride his bike with no training wheels.
16.  the smell of my husband on his clothes as I put them in the washing machine.
51.  seeing my Dad.
105.  Mom and her school being safe today.
106.  peanuts on the floor that remind me of our "booknook" time earlier today.
114.  the kids at school knowing I am "Caleb's Mom."
136.  nice words in a card from my mother in law.
163.  walking to the car holding hands with both of my boys.
196.  cute cards at Michael's and Target
204.  fun time laughing at ladies Bible study tonight and yummy cake.
230.  two squirrels playing in the backyard.
231.  my neighbor giving me the angel food cake pan
232.  and my aunt buying one to mail me.
272.  my new friend at the post office.
282.  being consistent about cleaning our bath tubs.
320.  lunch with Debra.
348.  talking to Chel on Facebook this morning.
352.  my husband calling to check on me when he heard there was a storm headed this way.
361.  wearing new jeans a smaller size.
374.  praying with my husband.
403.  no one hurt by the snake at the baseball game.
418.  Caleb saying "MOMMY!" and jumping in my bed this morning.
442.  Caleb talking about his sister in heaven.
485.  Caleb saying an angel pulled his tooth.
500.  reading in the bath.
507.  talking with my husband about the past year.
513.  learning to trust God.
519.  visiting Cristela.
521.  lunch with Casey.
590.  Sis buying our lunch.
612.  pajama day!
635.  Caleb's servant spirit to fix a snack.
672.  finding a great bargain on shoes for Caleb and getting myself a pair too.
714.  my dream coming true of going to see Colorado with my husband.
747.  sound of a rushing river.
769.  my husband providing for our family.
784.  blog comments.
802.  smiling at my husband over our son's head as he sang "Count Your Many Blessings" in church.
810.  August memories...even though some make my heart hurt.
855.  sweet smile of my cute husband.
871.  new book in the mail.
894.  knowing Jesus loves me.
923.  Caleb's teacher telling me he was a great kid when I picked him up.
928.  Peepaw memories.
969.  listening to an encouraging Grace Cafe
984.  yummy El Chico. (it made me laugh how many times I mentioned El Chico in my list of gifts!)
994.  playing "monkey in the middle."
1025.  my niece Avery Mae.
1103.  opportunity to teach 4 year olds.
1149.  Mom cleaning bathrooms for us.
1177.  starting our family book of 1000 gifts together.
1213.  my husband getting an award.
1282.  snuggles and "good morning my precious little sunshine."
1351.  getting $42 credit on electric bill.
1365.  Heidi's baby boy's arrival.
1399.  seeing Mrs. Pat awake!
1433.  Cody letting me shoot his .22.
1447.  church friends.
1478.  peppermint shake.
1522.  sleep.
1550.  fun mail surprises.
1563.  cute way Caleb says the word "insurance."
1599.  remembering Mammaw's life.
1633.  colors of sunset.
1659.  my husband making me laugh.
1731.  A. saying her memory verse in class.
1743.  reading in car line.
1778.  chicken fried steak turning out like Mom's.
1844.  being reminded of lack of value in accumulating things.
1855.  sweet email from Debbie.
1866.  savoring moment of my boy sleeping peacefully in my arms without coughing.
1902.  safe while driving.
1920.  band aids for cut fingers.
1941.  my husband cleaning the bathrooms.
1950  eating hot fudge sundaes.
1967.  Ms. Eleanore.
1971.  God's strength to help me through a busy day.
1975.  my husband taking care of us.

Have a day of blessings!

Giving Thanks Challenge 2011

I have enjoyed participating again this year in the Giving Thanks Challenge!  Here is my full list from the month. 

Today I am thankful for:
1. lunch dates with my husband   2. looking at thankful lists from previous years and realizing all that has happened since then!   3. pretty colors on the horizon this morning   4. sweet prayers of my boy and God's answers to those prayers   5. our ACU family, brothers and sisters in Christ coming together in a time of tragedy   6. singing songs of praise   7. the wonderful pricipal, teachers, faculty and staff at Caleb's school   8. seeing trees full of colorful leaves   9. getting to keep a baby girl for a couple of days   10. an electric bill with this month's paid plus a $42 credit   11. a day to remember our veterans   12. getting to spend a little bit of time with my "forever friend"   13. hearing my boy singing beside me this morning   14. my husband winning a pretty bag for me!   15. money to buy groceries   16. being able to volunteer at my son's school   17. blessing of being together, whatever we are doing   18. sound of laughter   19. getting to see Mrs. Pat tonight and her being awake and trying to talk. God is so good!   20. a nice Thanksgiving meal today with my husband's side of the family, safe travel, nice visit.   21. good report at my dentist appointment today for my check-up   22. the way my boy makes me laugh and smile every day   23. seeing the movie "Courageous" with my husband   24. having a home...This time last year we had our stuff in the moving truck.   25. time with my family I haven't seen lately.   26. enjoying the trip to the deer lease with my boys. Fun memories with my husband, son, father-in-law and two brothers-in-law!   27. seeing our neighbor Laura today, such a blessing to see all the progress she has made and the answers to prayers   28. feeling rested and ready for the week  29. song lyrics that inspire and encourage   30. excitement of the upcoming month and being able to decorate here for the first time. 

Have a day of blessings!

Book Review: The Blessing

I have finished a book called The Blessing Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance by John Trent & Gary Smalley.

Book Description:

Every human needs the gift of "the blessing"—the unconditional love and approval that comes from a healthy relationship with one's parents. In this update to the best-selling classic The Blessing, coauthors John Trent and Gary Smalley offer a fresh perspective on this life-changing gift with solid, practical advice on how to lay a secure base of in each child's life.

The Blessing powerfully communicates biblical truths on how to instill self-worth and emotional well-being into others based on these five essential elements: meaningful touch, a spoken message, attaching high value, picturing a special future, and an active commitment.

My thoughts: 
This is an updated version of a book, and I did enjoy reading this book for the most part.  It seemed a tad repetitive in parts and I felt like I was waiting for the part of how to pass on the blessing to children.   

The book is based on the Old Testament account of Jacob and Esau.  It is a great book for parents but is also appropriate for anyone who works with children as they too can have a role in giving the blessing.  It can be helpful to adults as well who missed out on the blessing in their childhood. 

The message of this book is one that parents need to hear.  Children need to have "the blessing" from their parents and this book can equip parents to make sure they do that. 

I would recommend this book for parents and it would make a nice addition for church libraries.     
Have a day of blessings!
 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Song: "Blessings"

I saw a link for this song on a friend's blog. The lyrics are wonderful, and the story behind it is very touching as well. I hope you'll take some time to listen to it today.

May it encourage you.

Click here to listen to the song "Blessings" by Laura Story.

Have a day of blessings!

Book review: One Thousand Gifts

How can I even begin to share about this wonderful book with you? A while back I posted a link to a video about this book. You can click here to see that if you'd like. I received this book from a giveaway from Grace Cafe (a wonderful program I enjoy listening to through blogtalk radio on Mondays). I knew this was a book I wanted to read. I was so excited to win after I heard an interview with author Ann Voskamp on the show. When the book arrived I quickly started reading. It is very different from other books I've read in the writing style. It held my attention and I just had to keep reading. Over the past couple of weeks though I didn't want to pick the book up quite so often...I knew I was nearing the end, and I really didn't want it to end! I finished it Friday morning though and wanted to share it with you.

One Thousand Gifts is a "dare to live fully right where you are." How many of us do that? How many of us are living fully? How many days do we let pass when we just go through the motions without being fully aware of life happening around us? This book is the story of one lady's journey to live fully.

I highly recommend this wonderful book to you. Let me know if you have read it or if you think it sounds like a book you'd want to read.


Have a day of blessings!

God's blessings

I have a story I'd like to share with you and hope it encourages you.


Last week on Friday I went to run some errands. If you've read my blog for very long, you will know we use Dave Ramsey's "envelope system" and keep cash for various categories of spending. It was the end of the pay period (meaning that pay day was coming the next week), and I felt like I'd spent so much money with the oil change, grocery store, and prescriptions and my "envelopes" were looking kinda empty.

As I was going to the car I prayed for God to please take care of us and bless us. I thought of all the food we have and the provision of God for our needs and how the things I'd bought at that shopping trip were not basic food supplies that I buy every week but other house hold necessities, like shampoo, razors, etc. I felt thankful for what we had and still I asked Him to bless us.

Later that weekend I was looking at our checkbook. My husband travels for his job and is reimbursed for his expenses. (This is a set rate based on the city to which he is traveling.) He puts the expenses on a work credit card and then we pay it off with the money they deposit into our account. Well there were several trips on the last bill along with credits I'd seen in our checking account. As I figured out the difference, I just smiled at the extra that was left over. I saw it as a blessing that God had given, an answer to the prayer I prayed.

On Sunday after church a family asked us to join them at their home for pizzas. We went along with two other couples and a bunch of college kids. As we were leaving they asked if we'd like to take home some extra pizza. Another blessing!

This week when I got the mail we had something that looked like a bill from AT&T. We no longer have service with them, so when I opened it I was glad to see that we had a credit of $19.35. I was not expecting that!

This has encouraged me this week and reminded me that God hears our prayers. We didn't have any huge need or major expense thankfully. But God cares about the little details of each of our lives and I think He likes to surprise us with blessings. We have to be paying attention though and thank Him for what He gives.

I encourage you today to ask God to bless you. He wants us to tell Him our needs. He longs to bless us. Ask Him specifically to bless you today and see what He will do for you and your family. Don't forget to pay attention and thank Him for the blessings too, no matter what they may be big or small!

Have a day of blessings!

Thankful Thursday: Count Your Blessings

This week for Thankful Thursday we're over at Lynn's (Spiritually Unequal Marriage). She wrote a wonderful TT post and mentioned the song "Count Your Many Blessings."

This is really a great theme for me for this week. My heart has been heavy. Little Orion went home to be with Jesus this week. The funeral is Friday morning. I know he's healthy and safe in Jesus' arms today, and I'm glad he isn't going to have to suffer. My heart hurts for his family though, his Mom and Dad, brother, sister, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Through the pain I can be thankful for this little boy and knowing God had a plan and purpose for his life.

Have you counted your blessings lately? Here are some of mine...

~ supportive husband. When our son was awake in the night coughing, he got up with us to check and see if he could do anything to help out. I love this about him! It really blessed me to know he cared and didn't just lay in bed as he could have done.

~ funny boy. I love that he always makes me laugh. When we were sitting on the couch I told him it was time for bath. He paused and said, "I don't smell bad" as he sniffed his arm.

~ friends.
~ purple flowers in my backyard.
~ cool mornings.
~ rainy days.
~ fun trip to the State Fair.
~ books.
~ 5 senses.
~ blogging friends.
~ mail.
~ fall decorations.
~ email stories that make me smile.
~ reading with my boy.
~ Bible.
~ answers to prayers.
~ food.
~ music.
~ books on CD.
~ YOU visiting my blog.

Okay, your turn! Count your blessings! If you start it will probably be hard to stop!

Have a day of blessings!

Thankful Thursday: Random

I was happy when I read the theme this week chosen by Lynn was "random" because I already had in my head what I wanted to write this week for my Thankful Thursday post!

Lately I've been seeing something repeated in my life. When this happens I usually know God is wanting to show me something. Our preacher preached on being thankful two Sundays ago. Last Sunday our small group meeting was about thankfulness and having a grateful heart. In one of my books I'm reading (Love as a Way of Life) I just finished the chapter on courtesy and how thankfulness ties into being showing love through courteous actions. Wednesday night in my 4th/5th grade Bible class we were studying Genesis 8 about Noah after they came out of the ark. What did Noah do? He made an altar and made an offering before God. We talked about Noah's thankfulness that God saved him and his family in the ark.

What can I learn from all of this? Obviously, I need to be thankful! That is why I'm so thankful to have Thankful Thursday every week. At our small group I told the others what a blessing it is to stop and give thanks on Thursdays. I am so encouraged to read the thankful hearts of others too. No matter what kind of week you've had you still give thanks and that encourages me, thank you.

I've started asking on my Facebook status for my friends to tell me what they are thankful for on Thursdays. I've had a few who participate and it's always interesting to hear what they say. I like to spread the idea of thankfulness! We all need some bright spots amidst all the negativity around us. So if you are on Facebook come leave a comment to tell me one of your blessings.

Here are some of my blessings this week:

~ my husband, he is just so great!!

~ my sweet son's cheery, loving nature. You know the little saying "I love you a bushel and a peck, I love you a hug around the neck." Caleb has been doing that with little motions he made up. It just melts my heart!!

~ being able to go to the Taste of Home Cooking School

~ Rain!! It is funny how people talk about needing rain so badly and then when it is raining they gripe about it! We need it desperately here so I'm thankful to see the recent showers.

~ my upcoming Women of Faith weekend. I AM SO EXCITED!

Please join us in giving thanks today by visiting Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Have a wonderful day!
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"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." Genesis 8:22

10 small things...

Amanda recently posted 10 small things that make my everyday a little better... The theme for Thankful Thursday last week was little things but I wanted to post 10 specific things that make my daily life better. So here is my list in no particular order!

1. hot water heater
It is such a blessing to take hot baths!


2. Internet access
It wasn't really that many years ago when I was growing up that we didn't even have a computer much less Internet access! I remember when we got the first computer. We can do so much online now. It can be a dangerous place I know but I'm thankful for all the friendships I've found here as well.


3. my ipod touch :)
For someone who didn't know what one was a month before she got one. I am thankful my husband blessed me with this fun little gadget. It makes me smile to have it with me to listen to music as I'm hanging our clothes or to check my email.


4. ice maker
This has become aware to me now that ours is broken! It is odd to not automatically have ice. We never had an ice maker growing up but I've grown used to it now!


5. my leg pillow
I have had a pillow that I put between my legs at my knees while I sleep. One time the pillow got left behind at a hotel and was never found. My Mom made me a new one. I feel very strange if I try to sleep without it.


6. washing machine
I think I've previously put this on my Thankful Thursday list. I cannot imagine washing the clothes in with a wash board out in the creek.


7. marshmallows
I like to randomly eat marshmallows, by themselves just for fun!


8. digital camera
I love to take pictures of our boy and am so glad to be able to snap away without worrying about film and developing pictures that aren't good shots.


9. slippers
In the cold months I wear my slippers all the time. My boys get me a new pair for Christmas because I wear them out!


10. library card
I love being able to borrow books and also request new books that I want to read. Our library is great! We rent movies there too.

Do you have 10 things that make your daily life a little better?
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!" Psalm 18:46

Giving Thanks Challenge

I'm thankful for...
having family visit, extra reading time before bed, cool breezes, America, encouragement from bloggy friends, music, ability to read, sleep, $1.87/gal. gas, answered prayers, the feel of a little boy's hand in mine, lunch with my husband, Thankful Thursday, my Mom, good mail, warm house, a huge sack of hand-me-downs, Christmas shopping, blessing of sharing with others, days at home, Christmas pictures, memories, seeing old friends again, sitting with the warm sun coming in the window as I fold clothes, relaxation, seeing high school friends, memories shared with loved ones, yummy leftovers, a day with my sweet husband, the coming Christmas season.

Caleb gives thanks...

The past couple of years I've asked Caleb to tell me what he's thankful for. I write whatever he says and make a list in a journal. We do this over several days time. We make thankful pictures too. This list, though, I keep in the journal I have been writing for him since before his birth. I like to reread what he said in previous years. It reminds me of his interests. Here is his list from last year and below is this year's list:


Thank you, God, for...


shoes
the heavens and the earth
trumpet
sheep and lambs
this day
hot cocoa
bald eagles
house
food
furniture
kitchen stuff
picture files
people
lovely earth
bathtub
boat
ducks
lovely sky
turkeys
chickens
plants
home we live in
community helpers
shed
mail
Bob the Builders (yes with an S)
boy store
cars
toys
Toys R Us
cake
trucks
paper
lots of houses
TV
movies
Mom
Dad
machines
chocolate chips
Gramma
Mimi and PawPaw
Grandad
money
fire trucks

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort." 2 Corinthians 1:3

Our long weekend

It was a nice three day weekend for us! On Saturday morning we went to get the truck's inspection sticker. Then we went to some garage sales. I found some very nice shirts for a quarter a piece. In the evening we went to a program hosted by our library. They have it each year. It gives you a chance to see what it is like to be visually impaired. I must say it was a very interesting and challenging experience. They had blindfolds and various booths set up to try different activities of normal daily life. I first walked down the hall using a stick and then did it again with the guide dog. I also wrote on a piece of paper and addressed an envelope. I was given a plastic overlay guide to keep the lines straight and write the address in the correct spot. Caleb also did the walking with the stick and guide dog. He put toothpaste on a toothbrush, buttoned a shirt, and made a peanut butter sandwich. He would peek out of the mask to see what he was doing. I think it was a very good experience for him. They were giving out door prizes as well. My husband got a free haircut coupon. I got a free pizza buffet. Caleb got a treat bag with a free ice cream cone and fries from Chick-fil-a. After this program we went to a block party for one of the local hospital's birthday. It was a nice evening. We enjoyed being out and saw some old friends too. They had bags of kettle corn. I had never had real kettle corn before (only from a microwave bag). It was a delicious treat!


Sunday we went to church and in the evening was the fall BBQ at the lake. We do this twice a year. It is a nice time to worship and fellowship. This year Caleb loved watching the birds soaring above the water. We saw a gorgeous sunset and deer resting under the trees as we left the park.



Monday my husband was off since he is a government employee. He used to work 9 hour days so he got off every other Monday. When he was having trouble sleeping at night, he switched back to 8 hour days and no Monday's off. He's been doing this a couple years now, but we both still miss his Monday's at home. We really enjoyed having him home with us today. We did some chores this morning. It is nice to have a clean house and things picked up. He is so sweet to help with it too! I feel like I got a lot of little things marked off my to do list too. I got some clothes folded and put up. I did an online order from a catalog for some Christmas gifts. I printed a poem of fall paper for Caleb to mail out this week with his picture from the pumpkin patch. I submitted my Avon order. This afternoon I called the credit card company to see if the payment was processed. It was on the 10th. I asked if they'd take off the late fee. That is all I said first. He told me he would check and came back and said he could take half of it off. I asked if that was all since I had been a customer since 2000, we pay off the full balance each month, and have not been late. Then he came back and said yes we will give you a courtesy removal. I was elated!! It was a $29.00 fee! I know I will carefully double-check all my due dates now after this lesson. After Caleb got up from nap we went to get my husband's allergy shots. Then I ran in Walgreens to get their sale items for this week. I can't pass up a sale on toilet paper! We ate supper and then went to do our grocery shopping. It is always crazy to me how many more shoppers are out in the evenings that when we normally go in the mornings. I actually spent less with my husband along so that was a good thing too. I don't know if it was because we didn't need as much or because I was trying to hurry and get out of there more than I do in the mornings!


I hope you had a nice weekend and the week ahead is blessed!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him." Psalm 62:1

A sweet Caleb story

Last night I left Caleb's room at bedtime and after a while he hollered at me. I went back to see what he needed. Here is the conversation:

Caleb: You are precious.
Mommy: You are precious. What does precious mean?
Caleb: It means you love me.

I just loved that. I hugged him and went to read for a while before bed. A long time had passed and I heard him holler for me again. I thought it was odd because I expected him to already be asleep. So I went back to his room and this is the conversation we had:

Mommy: What's wrong?
Caleb (rolling over): My heart is sad.
Mommy: Why is your heart sad?
Caleb: Because Daddy is going on a trip and I will miss him.

Isn't that sweet! I called Daddy, and he came and hugged his boy for a while. We told him I'd miss Daddy too while he's gone, but he'd come home and have lots of pictures to show us of his trip and the airplane and stories to tell about his trip and he'd probably bring us prizes too.

It was a very sweet moment. I know it touched Daddy's heart too that his boy will miss him so much!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"A heart at peace gives life to the body." Proverbs 14:30

Feeling blessed

This couldn't wait until Thankful Thursday! Today my husband called while I was on the phone with a friend. I called him back, and he said you're not going to believe this, I can barely believe it. He found out that he was receiving a cash award. Remember months ago when he took the Dale Carnegie class? When he found out this class availability so near to us, he was really interested in attending. He talked to the "boss people" at work about it, and they gave him the go ahead that he should go for it and gave him the impression they'd be willing to pay for part of the class. Well since this he has not heard a definite answer. His boss has been very supportive but the upper people in charge of the finances have not given him an answer. He just wanted a yes or no from them and was not getting anything. We were aggravated to never hear one way or the other. Thankfully received the tax bonus refund this year so that could be used for this class. But we'd gone into the class thinking he'd get some reimbursement from work and felt disappointed not to hear about it. Just last week he'd received the email that any more requests for funds needed to be submitted because they are closing out their fiscal year. I guess today was the day we got the answer! He still has not received an official notification that he got it or why he got it. It was just in the program and he saw it that he had received it. We believe it was their way of paying for part of the class. It is such a blessing. I just wanted to cry really when he told me! It shows me once again of God's perfect timing and He would know when we needed that money!

Another thing is it's been a fun blessing to have my cousin here with us. She came to stay since she's without electricity thanks to Ike. She stayed through the storm as it passed over her city and said what an experience that was! She was safe and unharmed, however doesn't have electricity. She must return to her job Tuesday and classes will resume Wednesday. Hopefully her electricity will be on soon! It's been fun having her here with us. Caleb loves playing with her!

I just wanted to share these blessings today. I feel grateful and didn't want to wait for Thankful Thursday to share! God is good!
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"The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!" Psalm 18:46

A special friend

I have a special friend I'd like to thank for taking time to make me a little pink blanket for our baby we lost due to miscarriage. After reading my post about remembering, my friend offered to make a memorial blanket for me. It arrived on Saturday, which I thought was perfect timing.

I feel honored to have this friend. I "met" her several years ago through a PCOS message board. Even though we've never met in real life, I know she is a very generous Christian lady. For years she made afghans for all of the Mommies on the message board when they had a new addition to their families. Sadly, some women spoke hateful things about her, saying she was seeking attention for herself by making afghans and accused her of not really making them herself. I don't know why someone would say such things, but I guess they were probably jealous of her talent and generous spirit. She has not stopped making afghans and continues to donate them to various organizations. She's made one for both my son and grandmother as well, "just because."

I'm thankful for this friendship and her kindness. I have not used her name because she is the type of person who is not seeking attention or praise for herself. It really touched my heart though that she did this for us.

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"A friend loves at all times...." Proverbs 17:17

SCC concert!

We had the wonderful opportunity to attend a concert with Steven Curtis Chapman. I'd seen him in concert before when I was in high school. We saw him do a show at Six Flags one summer. I've been following the blogs about his family closely since the tragic loss of his daughter Maria on May 21. Last night's concert was a benefit for the Mid Cities Pregnancy Center. (I plan to talk more about this in another post later next week.) I read on one of the blogs that SCC would begin his concerts again starting last weekend and found one in Texas so I ordered tickets back in June.

We arrived at our hotel only to find out it was the wrong hotel! I didn't really pay attention to the address; I just knew it was close to the location of the concert. My husband assumed I had booked the same hotel where we usually stay when we're in the Metroplex, and I didn't know it wasn't the same hotel by the address online! We went to check in and the clerk told us we had the wrong hotel! The right hotel was a few miles up the road (and a much nicer facility actually than our regular hotel).

After unloading we changed and went to eat. From our hotel room window I could see Don Pablo's in the next shopping center. We went over there and it was shut down to our surprise! We chose Olive Garden instead. Keep in mind it is 4 o'clock in the afternoon. We were told we'd have to wait 5 or 10 minutes. I was laughing inside at this situation. I couldn't see behind the scenes to see what the hold-up would possibly be; however, I was really getting tickled watching these three ladies try to seat the guests. There was one family waiting in front of us and then after they were seated another couple came in who apparently had already put their name on the list. Our meal was delicious and we made it down to the church for the concert at five. We didn't know what kind of traffic we'd come into on a Friday afternoon so we figured we'd get there and be early.

There was already quite a few vehicles at the parking lot. We got out and started walking towards the building. I figured we could at least find a shade tree. The doors were unlocked though so we went in and got in line! There were three or four entrances that were blocked off but lines were forming at each. We got in a line and waited. I stopped in one line first but then JMP saw another line that was shorter so we went to that door. We were near the front of the line. When it was time to go in at 6, we made our way down to the front of the auditorium. We were on the end of row 6! I was excited because in my dream of how it would happen we were up in the balcony far from the stage.

The concert started a little after 7. It was only SCC (his band wasn't with him) so it was a very personal concert. He played his guitar and a keyboard and talked a lot. I can't describe how amazing it was to be there and hear his stories. He started with the song "Blessed Be Your Name" and said he didn't know if he'd ever be able to sing a concert without singing that song. It was the song, more of a cry he said, that came to mind on the afternoon of May 21. It touched my heart to hear him speak of the hope his family has. He mentioned that word over and over through everything he said. He clearly has been though a devastating loss yet he is looking to God for his strength each day. He shared the encouragement he's found in Psalm 138.

I was excited that he sang two of my most favorite songs: "I Will Be Here" and "One Heartbeat at a Time."

Afterwards we talked about how genuine and sincere he is in all the things he said and his music. It was such a blessing to be able to go! We were both blessed to hear him speak from his heart about the hope he has. One thing he said he's learned through the tragedy is how all of the meanings of all his songs have changed so much to mean so much more to him now after what his family has been through.

Here are 2 pictures. It was hard to take a picture with the lighting. Having the camera on night shot made the picture blurry and if I put it on a different mode, it came out too dark!

Continue to lift up this family in your prayers as they approach the two month mark since the accident.
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"The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands." Psalm 138:8

Afternoon surprise

This afternoon it seemed the house got darker as the sun moved behind the clouds. I thought I heard the wind but didn't pay much attention. Then I looked out the window and saw rain! Thank you God for rain! We needed it so much!

Do you know the heaviness of a laundry basket full of soaking wet beach towels? It was a nice "problem" to have though!

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"Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge." Proverbs 23:12