Tales of a Thankful Mom

    In honor of the Five Minute Friday prompt being the word young, I looked at pictures of my children when they were babies and toddlers. I remember those days when my children toddled across the floor in pursuit of their kitty cat squealing with delight. The cat wasn't delighted she was running as fast she could to find a place to hide from the children. I remember watching my children take their first bites of ice cream. I remember seeing their delight at seeing hot air balloons. These memories of my children while they are young I will treasure and share with them as they continue to grow older.       

         My children's smiles make me so happy. Whether their smiles are goofy, shy, excited or sly I love watching my children's faces light up with a smile. I recently began a new practice writing down the things that cause my children to smile. I want to be a noticer. I want to notice what make my children smile. Knowing what makes my kids smile helps me to know how to show each of them love on days when they need a little TLC. Whether that be fireworks or flowers or butterflies, I love noting what makes my children smile.

           I am a day late for Five Minute Friday, which means that I am writing this post on Independence Day. I have been thinking about how I have realized my dependence on God has gives me freedom in Christ. Freedom is a gift, but as I often tell my kids. Freedom doesn't mean we should do whatever we want. We should live as God's children. I have found that in integral part of freedom is staying connected to God through prayer. I can focus on my circumstances, my fears, and the sometimes crazy things that are going on around me, or I can tell God my worries talk to him about Him about the things that scare me, and surrender these feelings to God. These thoughts have brought the song "If My People Pray" to mind. I will close this post with this song.