Tales of a Thankful Mom

          It's time once again to look back and think about what I learned this Summer. This has been an eventful Summer for my family, with a lot of changes, many of which I didn't chose. God has shown me his faithfulness time and time again. I am thankful for the opportunity to reflect on what He taught me this Summer.   1. I have the best family and friends a girl could ask for. I am thankful for family who gather together to help each other, whenever one of us has a need. I am thankful for friends who laugh with me on good days and pray for me and encourage me on not so good days. 2. Church communities that find ways to bless me even when we don't live in the same area of the country. 3. My youngest likes to help me cook and even more specifically likes to help me bake. Her brother enjoys eating our culinary creations. 4. My son looks for ways to help and encourage me and his siblings every day. 5. My youngest really likes pianos and piano music right ...

  Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians  3:13-14            Recently some major life changes that are happening in my home, brought up emotions that I exoerienced four years ago during my divorce. You can think that you are over something and that you have moved on until events trigger those feelings again and you realized that maybe you haven't moved as far foward as you thought. I told a friend that I made a Spotify playlist four years ago, that is inspiring me and encouraging me during this season. These songs remind me that God loves me and that He is here with me. I need to remember that when life seems out of control that God is still in control. He loves each of us more than we can fathom. I can find my strength in the shadow of His wings. ...

  In the shelter of your presence you hide them      from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling      from accusing tongues. Psalm 31:20 " Just as I am, though tossed about With many a conflict, many a doubt Fighting and fears within without Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come"           This has been a tumultuous week. After a long week, the truth of Psalm 31:20 is very comforting to me. I can find shelter in His presence from all human intrigue. I am safe in God's dwelling from all accusing tongues. Intrigue and accusing tongues may not cause physical danger, but it triggers a fight or flight response in me just the same. I am so thankful that God invites me to come and bring him my fears. I can find rest and peace in Him. the Prince of Peace. I can hide my soul in Jesus. I am walking through a season of life, in which I notice how much I seek approval for others. I want to stop chasing after...

​ “Tonight I’m going to fix my eyes on the only hope that satisfies. You are, You are the one I’m running to. Everything that’s good and right true. Jesus I’m coming back to who you are. You are the one I’m running to.”                                           I am not much of a runner. In fact all three of my children can outrun me. This recent Lent season taught me how much I tend to run from my problems. I don’t do this by physically running, but by running to my phone to distract myself, or turning on the tv, or telling myself that I have too much housework or other chores to do than to deal with whatever unpleasant thing that is bugging me right now. When I feel this way I need to stop looking for the world’s comfort and run to my Savior. He is the One that I need to be running to. He binds up my broken heart. He will never leave me or forsake me. When I feel the need to r...

           There is a '90's era country song entitled "Queen of Denial." I sometimes feel like I am the queen of denial. Instead of dealing with hard situations or emotions, I want to be like Scarlett O'Hara, and think about them tomorrow. I am learning that issues do not get resolved that way. Also in all my denying, the emotions will just start coming out sideways. Have you ever had bizarre dreams that were caused by unresolved emotions? I know I have. Or I will have a large reaction to a small problem because I am feeling triggered. Instead of living in denial, I need to bring all of myself to Jesus, especially the broken messy parts. Only He can make beautiful things out of the dust. I need to run to the Prince of Peace and find hope, healing and strength in Him. 

           Sixteen years ago today, I made a commitment. Four years ago, I realized that commitment was broken beyond repair, and I reaffirmed my commitment to making a better life for my children. So, instead of celebrating an anniversary on this day, I will gives hugs, spread joy, and be thankful when they call out the word ”Mom!” I will enjoy reading stories to them, and watching movies, and soak in all the details of my son describing his Minecraft world. I will listen intently as my almost teen describes her thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams. I am so thankful that my Heavenly Father is committed to growing me as a Mom and leading in this journey of motherhood. I will close with these lyrics by Sanctus Real, “So, Father give me strength to be everything I’m called to be, and Father show me the way to lead them, as You lead me.” 

              This is my elegant spitfire. She loves dressing up. She would wear dresses every day of the week if I let her. As this picture shows she has no problem climbing a tree, running a race, or riding a bike or scooter in a dress. She loves looking for beauty in the world around her. She also doesn’t back down from a dare. They used to call country music singer Brenda Lee, Little Miss Dynamite, and my youngest daughter also brings this description to my mind. I love that she reminds me to live in the moment, and to be on the lookout for beauty and joy.