Oxymorons - Gratituesday 12

It's time for a little shout out to the Lord, so you know that it must be Gratituesday, where one can be vocally thankful for something in life.

Let me honest: I love that the kids are away at Grandma's all summer. It's a joy to us for so many more reasons than sleeping naked again.

Mr. Right and I have had opportunities to laugh, cry, play, and work in situations that may not have been possible were the kids here. It's like a two month long date that doesn't have to end at the stroke of midnight. It's down right fabulous and a blessing that we know not every parent has. Having a chance to reconnect now gives us a treasure to look forward to having when the kids leave not for Grandma's house, but for life.

On the other hand, I have to be honest: I miss the kids like crazy. I miss their hugs, their tears, their arguing, their laughter, the essence that makes them them. I miss their innocence and wonder. I miss them. Absence does make my heart grow fonder for them (if that's even possible.)

One thing that I love about their being gone is that we actually do a lot more talking when they're away (or so it seems). We talk on the phone, packages are sent and we email each other, which gives us opportunities to bond (that might not happen were they to be here.) The Girl sent me a meme-type of email where she answers questions about herself. I loved it! It was telling of who I think she is and, more importantly, who she thinks she is.

And my favorite answer she gave is this one:

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? i don't like bugs and stones would hurt

I'd like to say that she makes me feel young, but that's not always the case... I think I need to give The Girl a music lesson or two.

Head on over to Laura at Heavenly Homemakers to see some other ways that people are thankful for their not-so-little things.

If At First You Don't Succeed - Gratituesday 11

It's time for a little shout out to the Lord, so you know that it must be Gratituesday, where one can be vocally thankful for something in life.

Last week, I had begged for votes because I'm nothing if not shameless. As a result of the An Island Life poll, I was not picked Most Likely To Succeed. However, when the winning blog is named Praying For Parker, I find that I don't mind taking backseat to a site that is giving everything to God.

Hello?! Diner vs. Prayer? Prayer trumps anything that I could serve up.


I can honestly say that it was a pleasure just to be named.


Not winning isn't necessary a bad thing. I have a renewed energy with the blog. It was so encouraging to hear from others about how much they enjoyed the blog or, more importantly, me. You guys are good for my soul. And there is a sense of joy in knowing that someone out there thought enough about this blog that they anonymously threw my name in the hat.


That makes me smile from ear to ear.


So I'm thankful right now that I didn't win the poll because I know overall that I'm still in the company of some mighty fine women and men who like me with or without a title. Plus with the win would have come some good disciplining from God. I'm sure I would have swelled with pride a time or 22 just thinking about it.


(And really, I could do without the pressure of having to live up to that category. I'm gonna fail left and right for the rest of my life... and it's all good.)

Vote For Me (I've Got Pie!) - Gratituesday 9

It's time for a little shout out to the Lord, so you know that it must be Gratituesday, where one can be vocally thankful for something in life.

I’m most grateful today for bloggy love. There are times when God uses one of you to say the thing I needed to hear or to do just the thing I needed done to feel that extra measure of support, friendship, understanding, encouragement and yes even discipline.

For the record, I don’t like the discipline one so much.

This post isn’t about the discipline one though. Woo hoo! This post is about the encouragement I’ve received of late. Susanne gave me notice yesterday that I was up for a bloggy award at An Island Place. What a joy to click over there to see me in the running with the likes of Scribbit or 5 Minutes for Mom!

Great, I've just scared myself because those ladies are in the BIG TIME.

Anyway, I found it funny at the timing because just this weekend, I was thinking about why I'm writing my blog. I've got all the reasons that most of you have, but was it enough for me? Comments have almost dwindled to nothing so it's hard to know if many are reading. Am I just writing for myself or is all that in my mind? I don't think the little green monster is in the way because I love reading others and seeing that they've got followings in the tens or hundreds.

It was after coming to the decision that I love the friendships that I've made through blogging and if I never have more than 10 comments again I would be okay that God sent Susanne to tell me about the poll. It was like the icing on the cake because do you know what category my blog is in?

"Most Likely To Succeed"

That just makes me giggle at the irony. It's like is God saying, "Hey, I'm not done here and I know that you need a pat on the back once in a while to keep going, so here it is. Now get back to work."

So I'm grateful today for the way that God uses you to help me, even when you don't realize that you're doing anything, and I'd be even more grateful if you went over and voted for me in the polls. My platform is good and there will be a delayed pie celebration at my house if I win. Just wait until we move to come on over. I'll have that spare room ready and I'll probably have found my pie plates by then...

Road Trip!

It's time for a little shout out to the Lord, so you know that it must be Gratituesday, where one can be vocally thankful for something in life.

On Sunday, The Girl, two friends and I took a road trip to the church camp for those who were in 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th grade last year. Along the way there was much laughing, much singing, much talking and, as usual with that many girls, much confusion. From trying to understand each other to trying to find the camp, we were all trying to find a way to get to where we’re going.

In trying to cut across land so that I could enter the interstate, I took a map designated road that should have lead to an on-ramp. Did you notice the “should” in that last statement? But as we were driving, I noticed that we went right over the interstate with nary a place to turn onto it. Imagine a car full of girls who are now in a place that none of us had ever been. Yeah, it was one of those wonderful moments that inspire tv sitcoms to be made.

Never once did I think to pray about our being “lost”. All I could think of doing was to look over the map and saying, "There SHOULD HAVE BEEN AN ON-RAMP HERE!" while looking for alternatives.

The girls were no help at all either. They mostly thought of “We’re LOST! We’ll never make it to camp! Waaaah!” and “Maybe there WAS an on-ramp and they just removed them.” Or my favorites: “Do we need to turn around and go home and start over? We’ll never get a bottom bunk now…”

But lo and behold, who should call as I’m sitting in the car and studying the map about how to fix the situation? Mr. Right called about some piddly thing, whereas I gave the account as to why we’re sitting on the side of the road, not going to camp at the moment.

“Hold on a moment. Okay, I’m looking at Google Maps right now and you need to take a left at the T and turn left on East 4th Street.”

Me: But that’s in a neighborhood! There isn’t an on-ramp in the middle of a subdivision!”

MR: Sha, do you trust me? Just do it and you’ll see.

Me: Yeah, I trust you. I’m turning. I’m turning.

And then less than a minute later, we’re on the interstate.

So I’m thankful for a quick-thinking man who quickly became a hero to the four girls in the car and for Google Maps, which ultimately saved the day and made bottom bunks possible for each of the girls.

So.... Road trip anyone? I'm game if you are, but only if you have a GPS system (which you know means that we'll be taking your car, right?)

Gratituesday 8

It's time for a little shout out to the Lord, so you know that it must be Gratituesday, where one can be vocally thankful for something in life.

Today, I am extremely grateful to God that we will NOT BE HOMELESS. The seller and we finally agreed on a bid for the house we want. We've signed the contract and now all we need to do is to have the inspection and then to wait for our closing day.

Oh and as an added blessing, we were looking for a house with a lower cost, knowing that we could repair things as we lived in a house. For just a little more, we were able to find an older house that already has everything done: new roof, new paint, new AC, new kitchen, new paint. It's all been done for us. We only have one thing to change on the house, but that's a want, not a need.

We'll only be five minutes from church and much closer to work for both of us.

Knowing that God could have moved us to much more rural or remote places or to no place at all, we're very thankful that we won't be wandering in the desert like the Israelites with nary a place to lay our heads or any place to call "home" for long. (Personally, I like running water and electricity. I'm spoiled that way. I'm just glad it was in God's plan to give us those things now.)

By the way, I'm really thankful to have so many friends who have raised us to the Lord time and time again for all or our home transitions. Y'all prayed for our house to sell, y'all prayed for us to find a home and y'all prayed for us to have patience like Job. I cannot have prayed for better friends.

Head on over to Laura's place to see some other ways that some bloggers are thankful to God today. Your heart can't help but sing praise to God when you see such words of adoration for the God who provides for all our needs and who keeps us close to Him.

Gratituesday 7

It's time for a little shout out to the Lord, so you know that it must be Gratituesday, where one can be vocally thankful for something in life.

Why is it that I constantly need reminders as to how good God is? I mean, I know he is good, but somewhere along the way, I forget his promises for his children. Then I start thinking about how hopeless things seem, how much of we need to get by and what we don’t have, knowing that things are going to be mighty tough soon.

On Thursday, I started nagging Mr. Right about his lack of follow-through that may help us in the long run. Then I thought about the medical bills that we can’t pay at this moment, the ones that are coming up and lots of lean times and creative accounting to make sure that we can get by until some unknown, long-lost relative passes and leaves us a small inheritance to pay these bills. In other words, things were looking bleak in my eyes.

By bedtime, I could feel my heart racing and my worries growing to epic proportions. I was moody, exasperating to Mr. Right and depressed. After one long big sigh, I realized that I couldn’t keep it in, so I turned to Mr. Right and said, “Mr. Right, can I just tell you that I’m struggling with a bunch of financial worries. I know I shouldn’t be feeling this at all, but I can’t stop!” Mr. Right in all his wisdom, grabbed my hand and said, “Then let’s read.” He didn’t try to take the place of God and make things better. He loved me with all my fears and sought to offer relief for me. I know that he started praying for me too. And my spirit felt more at ease immediately. I even had a full night’s sleep, something that I thought would evade me when I was in my panic mode.

The next day when I was looking at our bank account online, the account balances page showed an incredibly high amount in our checking account. Surely this must be a big mistake! I opened the checking account to find that our IRS “bonus” check was electronically deposited to a tune of triple of what we expected, just enough to cover the present bills and the ones that will be coming in a month. I immediately called Mr. Right to tell him about this blessing, and I just started bawling. Once again, it was as if God said to me, “See? I know your heart, silly girl. Now quit your useless worrying and find something worthwhile to do. I’ve got everything under control. Just trust me.”

Throw in the fact that HE sold our house since the time I've written this post, and I can really see God smiling and shaking his head at me and my doubts. O me of little faith... I can only hope that God will continually help me in my unbelief.

So it’s for mercy and grace that I’m extremely thankful, not to mention God’s excellent sense of humor. When God says that he’s got it, He does, even if I can’t see it.

Gratituesday 6

It's time for a little shout out to the Lord, so you know that it must be Gratituesday, where one can be vocally thankful for something in life.

Four days ago, when I was having an awkward day, I asked Mr. Right to make us some brownies. That sweet man knows me well; after pouring some into the pan, he handed me the bowl and spatula, making sure that he left quite a bit behind for me to lick clean.

Three days ago, when I had about 3 hours of sleep, Mr. Right gave me a massage to help relax me for a nap. He never once belittled me for being a lazy bum who read most of the day in hopes of it helping me to fall asleep. (I finally got an hour’s nap sometime in the afternoon.)

That same day when Mr. Right called one of our friends with whom we always eat Sunday lunch to ask about the Mother’s Day plans, he spoke briefly to one of the other men. We were all to go to someone’s house for a barbeque. I inquired as to what they wanted our family to bring. The look I received lead me to believe that bringing something never came up. Another call to our friend indicated that we could just bring a side and a dessert.

“So, what do you think you should make?” asked Mr. Right.

“Are you really asking what you think I should make to bring to a Mother’s Day lunch?” I inquired, arching my eyebrows to give the look.

“Ummm, I probably shouldn’t have asked that,” he meekly replied with a smile.

Two days ago, I awoke around 6:30 in the morning with a smile on my face. Ahhh! Mother’s Day! Rolling over to gently wake the man in charge of the morning festivities, I whispered, “If you want to make me breakfast in bed, you’re going to need to get the kids up and get started.”

“Huh?” and a glare at disturbing some sweet dreams is what I got from him. I repeated my statement, adding, “If you’re not doing breakfast in bed with the kids, then I’m getting up.”

“Oh. Yeah. So what do you want?”

“Are you really asking me that?” I asked for the second time in 24 hours.

“Ummm, I probably shouldn’t ask that either,” he meekly replied again.

40 minutes later, after quickly hiding the book I was reading and looking as if I was asleep, I “awoke” to a kiss from The Boy. Next, The Girl sang me a sweet little serenade to the tune of James Blunt’s You’re Beautiful song. “You’re beautiful. You’re beautiful. In every single way. Happy Mother’s Day.” After that came Mr. Right with a huge chocolate chip pancake, bacon and coffee that was going to hit the spot. Homemade cards, morning snuggles and breakfast in bed… it doesn’t get much better than that, no matter what day of the week it is.

The rest of the day was fun with multiple families and as relaxing as I’ll get out. (Oh, and he decided to bring chips and brownies to the bbq.) That night he cooked us steaks. They were so good, I even helped him with the dishes. (They were that good.)

I’m grateful that God has given me such a sweet man who has a funny sense of humor, as well as the insight as to how to treat me like a queen, his queen. Not only is he good to me, he encourages our children to show their affections in their own unique ways. I thank God for His goodness that is so visible through the people in my life.

Gratituesday 5

It's time for a little shout out to the Lord, so you know that it must be Gratituesday, where one can be vocally thankful for something in life.

I'm so thankful that Christian music has evolved to a point of being as good or better than secular music. When I was growing up, most of the Christian music was good, but not anything that you would want to hear on the radio. It seemed mostly sappy or slow or slightly operatic... not exactly the stuff you want to listen to or share with your friends. (That's just my opinion. You were more than entitled to have liked the early origins of Christian music.)

Now, I love the musical offerings of today's artists. Mercy Me, Monk and Eagle, Lifehouse, Superchick, Hawk Nelson... those are just a few (very few) of the artists that have worthwhile, positive lyrics set to rocking music, music that is for the most part above par to the secular songs. We've taken to giving today's Christian music as presents to family and friends or for no reason at all. We just like the artistry available to us nowadays.

Speaking of new music, I was one of the hundred who received the new Matt Maher CD.



I didn't want to post on it right away; I wanted to listen to it well and often to give an honest opinion about it. Here it is: It is AWESOME! I like the tender reality of his voice that has the capability of full throttle in the climatic parts. The songs are authentic and relatable to Christians in their everyday walk with God. My favorite song on the CD is Lay It Down. It's such a simple yet poingnant song about letting ourselves lay everything down at the feet of God, where it belongs in the first place.

If you're looking for a new addition to your summer rides, I highly recommend that you get this album.

Gratituesday 4

It's time for a little shout out to the Lord, so you know that it must be Gratituesday, where one can be vocally thankful for something in life.

I'm so grateful that there is an entire family of believers around the world.



You don't have to live next door to someone to be a member, nor do you have to look remotely the same or even speak the same language. All that's needed is to have the belief in Christ. God, who is Love, will take care of the rest.



I find that simply, utterly, beautifully amazing.

Gratituesday 3

It's time for a little shout out to the Lord, so you know that it must be Gratituesday, where one can be vocally thankful for something in life.

This week, I've been blessed more and more with the knowledge that The Girl and I have a pretty good relationship. Never mind the fact that she's teetering on the fence from being a girl to becoming a woman. Never mind that I'm a walking hormone waiting to happen. We still get along and laugh most of the time.

Yesterday, when we had to get lost from the house because Mr. Right was showing it to some potential buyers, she and I ran to Walmart to look at shoes. For half an hour we tried on all sorts of shoes, making fun of the throwbacks from the 70's and talking ourselves out of some shoes because oh my lands! I'm not ready for her to be in heels yet... But can I just share with you how thrilled I was when this sweet girl walked beside me talking to me about anything and everything while holding my hand?! In public! Without a care for anyone who might see!

These are the things that make me realize that the best things in life aren't things.

Gratituesday 2

It's time for a little shout out to the Lord, so you know that it must be Gratituesday, where one can be vocally thankful for something in life.

It's so simple really, but after talking with multiple people the last few days about glasses/contacts/eyesight, I am so grateful that I don't have to have anything to see yet. (I do have a pair of reading glasses, but I only got them because we had money to burn in our cafeteria plan. The optometrist said that I could get glasses if I wanted to get them, but I didn't have to have them. I still read without them, but boy, they look pretty in that little blue holder!)

What a joy to not have to search or worry about glasses in order to take in this beautiful world. I know that my time is coming to need them, but until that happens, I'm going to appreciate that I am apparatus free for now!

There are so many things that I take for granted. This sense happens to be one of many things that I don't really thank God about on any kind of basis.

Head on over to Laura at Heavenly Homemakers to see some other ways that people are thankful for their not-so-little things.

Gratituesday

Are you looking for a little pick me up between Sunday and Thankful Thursday? Are you seeking ways that God is active not only in your life, but the life of others? Well, then let me share a bit about Gratituesday with you!

My friend Laura (not the friendship like I am with many of you - this is the real deal! We've been in Chorus together in college, had babies at the same time, played cards and games on fun nights, had girl talks about our men... you know real life friends. And look! She still talks to me! Bonus...)

Where was I? Oh yeah, my friend Laura at Heavenly Homemakers has decided to use every Tuesday as a day to be grateful. She says that she wants to use Tuesday "where I post about something I'm grateful for or something about how God is working in my life. I'm working to expand this and would really like to use it as a way to encourage others all over Bloggyland. Beginning this Tuesday, I'll be using Mr. Linky so that others with blogs can write their own Gratituesday post, then link up at my site...and then we can all read about how God is blessing people!"

Sound like your kind of everyday encouragement? Then head on over to Laura's place and let the gratefulness begin! It's really easy to think of a praise when you stop to recognize how God loves each and every one of us.

My gratefulness is the joy of having employment that I actually enjoy. I can't be a stay at home Mom; our finances are such that I must work if we're going to do fun things... like eat and have electricity. I know. We're wild here. But I am constantly amazed that God has given me a wonderful place to work, with two coworkers that I really like, and for a boss who is kind, fun and understanding, especially when it comes to the kids. Where else could I have lots of time to read books, blog and still feel as if I've accomplished something good in a day, like executing a meeting for 20 people with only a moment's notice? Having a job as such takes the sting out of not being at home. Thank you God for this wonderful way to make a living.

Now what about you? Do you have something for which you can be grateful? If you feel like sharing, write your own post, spread the word about Gratituesday and add your words to the Mr. Linky! It's so much easier to be happy when you remember that you have reasons to be!