Tales of a Thankful Mom

             I was reminded of one of the names of God yesterday. I was reminded of El Roi, God sees me. You see, the ring (which is a mother’s ring, with the birthstones of my children) in the picture was missing for about a month. I picked up a clothes basket in my laundry area to put some clothes in, and noticed the ring in the bottom. I felt relief ,and I felt seen. God sees me in the middle of the messiness of life. God sees me when I hide behind fake fines. God sees me and I do not have to pretend that everything is okay, or that I have it all together with Him. 

I have had the pleasure of being on the launch team for Wendy Speake’s book  The Forty Day Feast.  I would like to share the reasons that I would recommend this inspiring book.            I love that when we read the Bible, that we can talk with God through prayer about what we are reading. God promises in His Word that when we truly seek Him, we will find Him.           God has displayed his desire to communicate with us. All we need to do is approach His word with an open teachable heart, He will use His Word to transform us. I love rereading books that are impactful to me. If I reread works of fiction, how much more important is it to read God’s word. “The Word of God is living and active sharper than any two edged sword.” The Forty Day Feast  showed the reason that Bible believers should be Bible readers, and shared different methods for Bible study. I believe that Bible study is even more important in seasons of doubt. The act of faith in continuing to show up, in difficult season

                      I want to live a life ready to receive God’s grace. Honestly, I often feel like I am living life crouched in the fetal position because of fear. I told friends one time, that often in times of spiritual attack, I drop my shield and cover my head with my hands. I want to remember in those moments that God is my strong tower. I want to focus on Jesus’ outstretched arms and not the angry, dark, treacherous waves caused by the storm. I want to remember that God is in control and that He is working all things out for my good and His glory. I want to receive God’s grace and mercy in my time of need. What do you need to receive from God today?  

2 Corinthians 12:9 but He has said to me,  “My grace is sufficient for you  [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation];  for  [My]  power is being perfected  [and is completed and shows itself most effectively]  in [your]  weakness.”  Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.              I don’t like it when circumstances cause me to feel weak. Especially if those circumstances are occurring where others can see (and sometimes comment on) my weaknesses. I feel exposed and want to hide. The one statement that I need to put on repeat in my brain this year  is that God’s grace is enough for me in any circumstance or situation. I want to be like the apostle Paul and instead of hiding my weaknesses be open and honest about them. I want to see God’s hand at work making beautiful things out of the dust. My kids know that their Mom isn’t perfe

Looking back on 2022, I am very thankful for friends and family encouraged my children and me during the latter half of the year which was full of changes. I am thankful for an October that included pumpkin patches, pumpkin carving, fall festivals and movies nights. I am thankful for gathering with extended family for Thanksgiving, and staying home with all three of my kids for Christmas and New Years. I am thankful for my mom who took her Grandkids to the movies several times over the Summer. We also went to the skating rink and the park, as well as taking the kids bowling. I  am thankful for all the learning and growth that my children have accomplished this year. I am thankful for the school community of my younger children’s elementary school. My kids also enjoyed their elder siblings choral and band concerts in the Spring. My kids were thankful that Florida participated in winter for a little while this December. We also enjoyed treats from our advent calendars this year. I have l