Worst Blogger

I won't be winning any awards for the best blogger...maybe the worst, though. I can't believe how fast the days rush by. I look back over the past week and I'm almost breathless. Sometimes I wish we could go away, far away, where there are no schedules, laundry, phones, computers, or TV and just be. The ocean, the mountains, Italy, Australia, it doesn't really matter. I'm just tired. I want to recuperate, sleep, eat, play with my kids, rejuvenate, talk with my husband and rest. Summer is just around the corner, and it is so welcome. I haven't won the best mom award lately either. I continue to be who I don't like, continue to screw up. I yell, I'm unorganized, I forget, I say things I regret and cannot pull the words back into my mouth.

Thankfully, there is One who forgives and restores, and gives grace and mercy when it is so desperately needed. Thankfully, we have this holy week to remember and reflect upon the most wonderful gift He gave. Thank you, Jesus, for loving me in spite of myself. For giving, becoming one of us yet remaining sinless, taking the sin of the world upon your shoulders to provide a bridge to God for us. Thank you that you continue to forgive my terrible parenting, my disheveled self, my crazy life. Thank you.

Thankful today for gifts #42 through #51 ...

a friend who took the challenge with me to memorize Colossians.
One chapter down.
the energy of our children
the sweetness of our eldest
innocence of youth
new friends
graciousness
good recipes shared with good friends
encouragement from a friend
a husband who stands firm
healing.

Joining with Ann and others in counting One Thousand Gifts...

Save Our Marriages

Lord,

My heart is heavy tonight. I cannot contain the tears. So many marriages are crumbling around us. Dear, dear friends are separated from their soul mate, the one with whom they made a covenant before you and with you, oh Lord, to unite as one flesh. Oh God, please intervene. Show them a marriage more abundant. Save them from destruction.

"In the original creation, God made male and female to be together. Because of this, a man leaves father and mother, and in marriage he becomes one flesh with a woman—no longer two individuals, but forming a new unity. Because God created this organic union of the two sexes, no one should desecrate his art by cutting them apart."  Mark 10:9

So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.

Love doesn't strut,

Doesn't have a swelled head,

Doesn't force itself on others,

Isn't always "me first,"

Doesn't fly off the handle,

Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,

Doesn't revel when others grovel,

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,

Puts up with anything,

Trusts God always,

Always looks for the best,

Never looks back,

But keeps going to the end.

Love never dies.



I Corinthians 13

Giving Thanks

Giving thanks for
#30 our sweet Cora who sings, "Jesus Loves Me," in the car, into the microphone, in the backyard or wherever suits her fancy
#31 friends who encourage me
#32 strangers who do the same
#33 calm amidst the craziness
#34 unexpected gifts (thank you, Jessica)
#35 cool spring night with the one I love
#36 sausage on the fire pit
#37 Refiner's fire
#38 Committing Colossians 1 to memory
#39 my friend who did as well
#40 rising above
#41 Jesus paid it all...o praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead

Joining Ann and others in giving thanks today.
Won't you join us too?

Once upon a time...

Once upon a time, there was a sweet mommy who had two sweet little girls, and was left to raise them on her own. The oldest little girl, Christy, was in first grade, and the youngest little girl, Cindy, was a toddler. The mommy did the very best she could as a single mommy, but she was very lonely, despite the company of her precious little ones, and prayed, begging God to bring her a Godly husband. After many months of praying in desperation, one of the mommy's friends from work told her he had a friend she might like to meet. So, one day, the man's friend knocked on the mommy's door. She was very nervous, but opened the door, and to her delight, her knight in shining armor was on the other side! It was love at first sight, and after a few weeks of courting her, the knight in shining armor asked for her hand in marriage. The sweet little girls were thrilled! They really liked this man, and were excited to think they would have a new daddy. So, the couple made plans to get married, and joined their families together just a few short weeks later! The little girls were a little bit confused and sad to know their last name did not change when their mommy's did, but they pretended it did anyway. After a couple of years, the mommy and daddy asked the little girls what they thought about the daddy giving his last name to them. They were delighted and could not wait! So, the mommy and daddy, the little girls and their new little brother went to the court house. They stood before the judge and the little girls, Christy and Cindy, said, "Yes sir," when asked if they would like to take the name of their new daddy. The judge explained that the big word for what was happening was "adoption." The little girls and the rest of the family were very happy. God had made them all a great big family! They all wore blue shirts with a picture of their house on the front with the words, "God made us a family," and on the back was the first AND last name of each family member. It was all very sweet, and it took place on April 5, 1982. Every April 5 thereafter has officially been known as Langston Day for the mommy, daddy, little girls and little boy.

What a blessing for my mom to have found her knight in shining armor and a wonderful daddy for her little girls all wrapped in one great package! I am forever thankful! Happy Langston Day (a day late)!

Baptism

Sunday, Carleigh and Luke were baptized. We were all so excited! 

Carleigh went first. They were both a little bit nervous, but they did great! You never know what Luke has up his sleeve, but he didn't pull anything like doing a canon ball entry or shakying his hair like a shaggy dog when coming out of the water. I'm sure if the seed would have been planted he would have been tempted. He kept trying to look under the curtain while we were all backstage and the praise band was leading music.

Their sweet little souls are so precious. Jesus said we should all come to him just as little children. I hope and pray Carleigh and Luke's walk with God is made stronger every day. I pray they will be giants for the Lord. I have to remember too, that they are watching Kelvin and me. Oh Lord, that I would be a good example for these children. "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

Living a Life of Thanks

Giving many thanks for...

#23 "His peace guards my heart and mind." Phillipians 4:7 And again, His Word is just what I needed and showed up at the perfect time.
#24 Bountiful blessings at church yesterday. Our Carleigh and Luke were baptized. Many friends and family stood in their honor. I was so proud I almost burst!
#25 a man, my man, who has stood by my side during a rough week.
#26 friends with encouraging words and uplifting texts.
#27 a 2 year old who sings, "Happy Birthday" to herself.
#28 daylight into the evening
#29 promise of a risen Savior.

Joining Ann and others in giving thanks today.

Won't you join us too?

Bogged Down

I've been a bit bogged down this week. It's been pretty rough at some points. I wish sometimes the Pollyanna world in my head could be real. I wish everyone spoke to each other with kindness and love, and when they disagreed with each other, they took the time to sit down and talk and share their differences. For the coming days I am claiming "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future." Proverbs 31:25. It sure would be easier not to, though. If you think about it, can you say a little prayer for me? Thanks so much!

Have a beautiful Sunday. I know we will. Carleigh and Luke are being baptized in the morning. Oh glorious day!