Thanking Him...

The last few months have been hard.

Hard emotionally.
Hard physically.
Hard spiritually.
Hard mentally.

We've had busy and full days.  School is in full swing around here which takes up lots of this mama's brain and energy.  We've been making a new bedroom for Liam.  We've been struggling through some parenting issues.  Growing a baby this time around is much harder and more taxing on this body than before.  All of these things, and others, added together have made some days feel like life is pounding down hard.

After a few weeks of swirling around in the ocean of life, I was determined to fight for joy when the pounding came and keep my mind focused on Him. 

He is my rock and protector.
He is my strength and song.
He holds all things together and knows the days He's planned for me.
He calls me to trust Him.
He wants me to see the beauty He has given to me each day and in return... thank Him.

So that is what I did.  This whole month I kept a long list of the blessings He poured into each of my days.  It was amazing how even when the days seems hard and dark, looking for Him, His fingerprints, and His blessings brought perspective and joy. 

There were days I didn't want to thank Him.  There were days I didn't feel worthy of the blessings I knew He had given.  There were days where I couldn't even keep count of my thanks and the joy overflowed. 

Thank You Father for reminding my heart to see the goodness You give in each day... and to give thanks. May I keep on thanking You and fighting for the joy that You alone can give!

Some of the gifts He gave me in my days this month...

~A song played at just the right time
~Forgiveness and teachable moments in my parenting
~His smile and love for people
~Yellow mums
~For the little kicks of a healthy baby
~A tea party with my girl
~His love for letters and numbers
~Chocolate chip cookies
~Extra snuggles at bed time
~the Psalms
~The note and picture left on my pillow
~...if we are faithless, He remains Faithful!
~for restarts in the school day
~prayer with a friend
~compression hoes
~courage when I needed it
~Laughing with him
~a good night of sleep
~grace when I needed my 3rd shade of green paint
~the beauty of His creation
~worship songs at church that bring tears
~knowing that He sees and He knows... and He is near.

Today, I truly am grateful!

  

Psalm 31

thoughts from Psalm 31...

 

You, Lord, are my rock and my fortress.

My firm foundation and my protection!

Because of this... lead and guide me.

 

You are my refuge and my faithful God...

I will say this over and over - I trust in You, Lord!

 

I will rejoice in Your love...

You see my affliction and You know the anguish of my soul.

You see... and You know... and You will not give me into the enemy's hands.

Instead, You will set my feet in a spacious place.

Not where I feel overwhelmed... but where You and peace are found.

 

My days ahead may be full of anguish, brokenness, fear, unknowns...

But I will TRUST in You God!!

I will say again and again - You are my God!

I know my days are in Your hands.

 

In the days ahead, let Your face shine on me...

may I radiate joy because I trust in You!

When I cry to You, continue to save me in Your unfailing love!

 

Oh Lord, how abundant are the GOOD things that You have stored up for me!

God, I will be strong.

I will take heart.

I will hope in You, my Lord!

Go Dragons!

In Gretna, our house backs up to the high school football field.

So during the fall, our backyard is filled with fun and excitement many evenings!

Because of that, my kids are big fans of the Gretna Dragons!

 

When Ainsley had a chance to go to a "Cheer Camp"

and cheer on the Dragons at a football game, she was thrilled and ready to yell!

 

Our neighbor, Taylore, was one of the helpers,

and she and Ainsley had a great time together!

 Lots of little girls!!!

 Having fun!  Go Dragons!

The smile says it all!

She had the best time and can't wait for her next chance to cheer on the Dragons!

1st Day of Preschool for Kallan

When did he get old enough to attend preschool.... I don't know???

But this little guy started preschool this fall!

 He was so excited to go to the open house!

His teacher already knows him really well and gave him a GREEN puzzle piece to decorate.

Of course he chose to hang it by the number three in the hall...

"That's how old I am!"

After that he got to explore the classroom....

 And play outside...

 And of course find the cars!

 I knew that he would be totally fine going to school when he

"assumed the position" in the middle of the circle time rug

and started playing with his cars!

 Before we knew it,

It was time for his first day!

(oh my heart!)

 That's my little guy!

 How much do I love him?!?!

 He marched right into the school and hung his little truck back pack on the hanger...

 Found his green car name symbol

(again... does his teacher know him or what?!?!)

 And he was off!

Just one quick picture with his teacher before he started his day!

 He had a great first day!

He was so excited when I picked him up and came running in to my arms!

He came home and was super goofy and then all he wanted was his milk and to do was this...

School can sure wear you out mom!

 

I'm so excited for his year of school, for the things he will learn, and the new friends he will make!