Saturday, November 24, 2012

Moments

        Have you ever had one of those moments. A moment when everything seems so perfect and beautiful and comfortable. A time when love abounds, dreams seem possible and everything seems magical. I was driving home with the love of my life at my side and I was struck with the simple and graceful beauty of the town as millions of Christmas lights twinkled and sparkled against the fresh, white snow. A song played gently in the background and the world seemed at peace. Look for those moments in your life. You may think that you are too busy or life is too hard or that your dreams are impossible, but just look. The One loves you more than you could ever know has filled your life with these moments. Like a gently falling snowflake, these moments may seem small and unimportant, but if you allow yourself to look a little closer, you will see the beautiful lacy craftsmanship. So tonight, snuggle up with the one you love, enjoy a cup of cocoa, listen to the music and watch the snowflakes. Goodnight.


“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”
  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with glory.”
  ~Betty Smith 

Friday, November 23, 2012

Thanksgiving

      I'm sitting here on a cozy Friday morning thinking back to the many Thanksgivings that I have had. When I was 12 my family was involved with a ministry that reached out to the kids on the street. So that year we spent Thanksgiving at the Church with friends and a whole bunch of people that my parents had met through this ministry.
     Then there was the Thanksgiving I spent in Namibia Africa. This was my first Thanksgiving spent away from home and it was a wonderful time. We were a mix of British, Irish, Canadian and American's celebrating together.
      Then last year, was the first Holiday spent with the love of my life. We got to fly down to North Carolina and spend it with Luke's sister and her family. Looking back over these Thanksgivings, and the countless ones spent with Grandparents and family. I have much to be thankful for.
       Last night, as I was helping in the kitchen to get the feast ready, I was surrounded by feelings of wonder as we bustled around and gentle strains of music and conversation floated about. Life is good. I have been blessed. Memories are sweet and new adventures are waiting in the wings. Have a wonderful day.

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving."
~W.T Purkiser

“Memory is the diary we all carry about with us.”
~Oscar Wilde

Monday, November 12, 2012

The Blessing

        This past weekend was fun because my some of my family was able to come up for a visit. When it came time to say goodbye, I felt a heaviness of heart. It is always hard for me to say goodbye and I often wish that my family lived closer. But as I was thinking about all of this, something occurred to me. Though goodbyes are hard, I am blessed enough to have people to say goodbye to. This then got me thinking about all of the amazing people that God has blessed my life with.
         I have not one, but two sets of wise and godly grandparents who have always been a part of my life. I have a Daddy who reminds me of the love that my Heavenly Father has for me. A Mom who has been my mother, confidant and friend. I have a whole slew of brothers and sisters who are there for me. But it doesn't stop here. Not only have I been blessed with the family who raised me, but I have had the privilege of marrying into another amazing family. I have a Mom and Dad-in-law who treat me like a daughter, and a group of amazing brother and sister-in-laws. And the best part of that family is the amazing man that I am married to. The love of my life who is with me through the ups and downs of life and in it for the long-haul.
       But wait, there is more. I have been surrounded by friends both old and new. The one's I grew up with and the ones that I have met along the way. People who have made me laugh and listened when I cried. And so today, I realize that I am truly blessed. And to top it off, I am loved by the Creator of the Universe.
        So, my challenge for you today is to count your blessings. And most importantly, remember, regardless of what your going through right now, that you too are loved by the One who counted the stars. Happy Monday.

"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."
~Desmond Tutu

“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.”
~Elbert Hubbard

Friday, November 9, 2012

The Car

       Today something exciting happened. My husband and I have spent the better part of the last 8 weeks working on re-painting our 1995 Honda Prelude. It used to be and old, man, gold color and has slowly been turning into a sporty shade of electric blue. The reason today was so big was because we were finally able to add the last swipe of polish and drive it home.
        Over these past weeks, both my husband and I have had moments of woebegone despair that we would never get done. Just when it seemed that the project was coming to a close, something would crop up and take time. So many times I just wanted to skim over things and call it good, but Luke would remind me that in order for it to turn out right, we needed to put the time in. And so, we plodded on.
       All of this has got me thinking about my own life. Over the past year or so, I have been in a rough spot. I've struggled with fear, doubts and anxiety about different things. So many times I would say, "God, can't you just make me feel better now?!" And yet, I realize that maybe, just maybe life is like that sporty, blue Honda. If I were to snap my fingers and rush through this growing process, things might not turn out as nice as they could if I sit back and allow myself to rest in the arm's of the One who showers me with His grace. He has plans for my life and yours. No matter what you may be going through right now, don't despair, you will come out on the other end. The one who painted the skies knows exactly what He is doing in the masterpiece that is your life.
     Then, one of these days that time will come. The last bit of polishing will be done and you will realize that you have made it through and you will be ready for the next adventure that God brings your way.
     So tonight, I encourage you to rest in the knowledge that you are in good hands. There are good things in store. And remember, no matter what, you are loved more than you will ever know. Sweet dreams.

2 Corinthians 12:8-9
"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

"If there is no struggle, there is no progress." ~Frederick Douglass