Category Archives: gratitude

February 1, 2010 · 6:00 am

Ice Storm Turns Snow Storm Turns I’m Not Sure What.

Well, it’s not like we weren’t warned or anything.  The great Oklahoma weather people told us an ice storm was a comin’ followed by a whole bunch of snow.  Kris headed out early Thursday morning to buy a generator.  It went unneeded.   But, we were ready.  Yes. We. Were.

See?  We had all of the Winter Storm One-Oh survival essentials.

Kids had a blast.  Of course.

Brew joined in on the fun, too. 

So did Dad.

Who built a fire.

That kept me outside an extra minute and a half.

By day three, we were getting creative with our indoor activities.

And, today?  My kitchen still looks like this.

We all really enjoyed being snowed in.  However, I’ve determined three days are plenty.  Four begins to push the limits.  Or, perhaps, just the limits of a girl growing a person.  But, the occasional forcing of a family to slow down is not a bad thing.

It reminds me how much I love my family.

 I love hearing my kids play together.  I love hearing Kris tell them to stop running in the house and Anna respond, “But, can we jog?”  I love hearing John Henry say something just to make me laugh and for no other reason. 

I love it that my husband buys a generator just in case.  I love it that he builds a fire anyway.  I love it that he takes such good care of us. 

And, I know that as much as my children’s earthly father takes care of them, they serve a heavenly Father who does so much more. 

Hard to imagine really.

But, I know it to be true.

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19

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December 15, 2009 · 6:00 am

Thank You. Thank You Very Much.

Dad and I were talking on the phone last night just like we do most evenings.  I told him about a little anxiety I’ve been feeling.  He responded with how excited he is to get to do what he does at Eagles Way Church.  We were totally on the same page. 

You know.  I kid.

EWC hosted their children’s Christmas program Sunday night, which according to many was a comedy show.  Dad decided to give all of those families with children involved in the play a free DVD of the program.  Dad expressed how much it meant to him for my brother-in-law, Leiv, to walk up to him and say, “Thank you.”

Now, let me clarify, dad wasn’t at all disappointed or distressed that others didn’t follow suit.  He was more so acknowledging and appreciating Leiv for the way he intentionally lives his life.  So, simmer down now.

And, I know Dad would give and give and give without ever a thought of needing a thank you.

But, I was reminded of the story of the ten lepers that Jesus healed in Luke 17.  One of them came back to say thank you.  I want to remember to be that person who always says thank you.  I’d bet I’ve totally overlooked a lot of little blessings in my life.  I want to be more intentional about saying thank you.  I want to be the leper who comes back.

But, I don’t want to be leper. 

Just thought I should make that clear.  Not that you would think I want to be a leper, because, that would just be insane.  But, of course, I am with child, and with child women can say insane things.

Just ask my husband.

Or don’t.

On that note, thank you all for still following this very random, sometimes silly, record of my journey as a…….

mother trying to raise children with hearts after Christ,

a wife trying to be the partner God has called me to be, and

a woman trying to love God above all else.

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December 1, 2009 · 6:00 am

Return from Snow Mountain.

I wanted to blog yesterday.  Really, I did.  I just decided to enjoy breathing instead. 

We spent Thanksgiving with my father-in-law in Breckenridge, Colorado where we were a gazillion feet above sea level.  I’m sure one eventually grows accustomed to the elevation and dry cold.  And, it is beautiful enough to stick it out and, at least, give living there a try.  In other words, I probably need a month long vacation there next time. 

To let my body adjust, you understand.

Everyone skied save me. 

The kids spent three days in ski school.  Parents were encouraged to not stay and watch; however, we did peek a time or ten.  Kris observed the instructor orchestrating a red light/green light game with Anna’s class to develop their stopping skills.  He overheard Anna yell, “I don’t want red lights, JUST GIVE ME GREEN!”  I know you find this difficult to imagine.  She had a great time still.

She especially enjoyed herself when she was finally allowed to ski down “Snow Mountain.”  Snow Mountain is any mountain.  With snow. 

And, it became clear that being spotted while ski school was in session wasn’t the best idea, given Anna’s response to the camera.

John Henry learned a lot.  He says he’s ready for snowboarding, but we certainly aren’t.

He was most excited to finally get to ski with Kris and show off his new skills.

I was most excited about drinking my weight in hot chocolate and reading Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love.  Oh, and watching these two.

Kris suggested we return to Snow Mountain in February or March.  Um, we are having a baby then. 

“Oh, yeah.” 

And, these are things I don’t forget. 

Nor do I forget how blessed I really am.

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November 25, 2009 · 6:00 am

Oh These Blessings.

Dear Mom,

I am glad that your haveing a baby.  I love you with all my hart.  Your the best mom ever.  You are my favrit mom.

Love

John Henry

Sorry, but the “best mom ever” title is taken.  John Henry said so.

I’m so thankful for a son who is thoughtful.

I’m thankful for a daughter who makes me laugh.

I’m thankful for a baby boy who kicks my ribs in the middle of the night.

I’m thankful for a husband who always strives to do what is right.

And, most of all, I’m thankful for a King who knows me by name.

Enjoy the people God has placed in your life this Thanksgiving holiday. 

I’m going to enjoy mine.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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November 16, 2009 · 6:00 am

Marriage And Growing A Person.

This weekend, I used Kris’ Marriott points that he accumulates when he flies to luxurious vacation spots by working so hard for the family.  After I arranged for the kids to spend the weekend with Falon and Janet (our friends and most awesome babysitters), I surprised him with a night downtown the big OKC.  We woke up to the glorious phenomenon known as room service, and then, I sent Kris to an already scheduled massage at the spa.

Sorry, men.  I’m taken. 

I need not gloat that much in my wifely awesomeness.  I realized it had been entirely too long since I did something special for Kris.  I recognized I was becoming disgruntled with me not being the center of his attention.  With me not being catered to or lavished with some fun surprise.  I was focusing on me.  After all, I AM growing a person, right? 

In my discontentedness, I began to evaluate myself as a spouse.  Have I thought beyond myself lately to do anything out of the ordinary for Kris? 

I knew the answer. 

So, I made a choice to step outside myself, my wants, my stuff and do something all about him.  Because, I love him.  I love being married to him.  HE matters.

In serving my husband this way, my discontentment seemed to fade.  Because, I served him.  This is true in most every area of our life.  When we step outside of our stuff and serve something or somebody else, we take our eyes off of that stuff. 

And, we become content – fulfilled – again.

It’s how Jesus Christ lived His life.  He so loved us that HE gave.

It was a great time together.  He makes me laugh.  Really laugh.  When I asked him Saturday night to carry me to bed, he responded this way, despite the look of fear in his eyes:

“Uh, okay.  Just let me stretch a little first.”

Oh, I love that man.

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October 22, 2009 · 6:00 am

Big Mama Loves Me, But She Ain’t Gonna Sing.

Birthdays are just fun.  I spent yesterday morning with my BS’ers, err, Bible Study girls.  They are the bomb diggity and were certain to not let the day pass without a little celebration.

Even if the cookie cake turned out like this:

cookie cake wp

Cindy Beall has many talents.  Decorating cakes is probably not one of them.  Once she wrote “Happy” she quickly realized she’d have no room for “Birthday Dusty;” hence, “Happy Dusty.”  Never mind the fact my friend, Janna, thought it said “Hoppy Dusty.”  Cindy did learn, however, that cookie icing is not the best for writing text.  So, I feel certain she’ll master the art next time. 

Let’s just give her that.  It was a quite tasty after all.

Janna and her youngins treated me to dinner.  She is sweet like that.  But not before Big Mama called me.

“I near ‘bout forgot your birthday ‘til Aunt Faye reminded me.”  Big Mama admitted.

“Um, thanks, Big Mama?”    

Then, I nearly busted a gut laughing when she told me, “I would sing you ‘Happy Birthday’, but there is one note I can never get on that song.”

Oh, how she brings joy to my life. 

Thank you all for your wishes, blessings, and sweet messages.  You all made me feel very special.  For real. 

Love y’all.  Mean it!

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October 21, 2009 · 6:00 am

I Don’t Drive 35.

It’s true.  I’m 35 years old today.  I don’t feel a day older than 34 ½.  When my mom was 35 years old, she had a sixteen year old.  Wha?  It appears I’ll be 40 with a 5 year old.  I’ve heard having children a little later in life doesn’t keep you young, but it keeps you active.

Whatev’. 

I’m chilling an expensive bottle of Welch’s Grape Juice to celebrate tonight.  Should be a total blast.  I’d invite you all to my party, except there isn’t one.  I’m not bitter.  And, don’t y’all run out and get me something….until, I get you my correct address. 

Thirty-five.  35.  THIRTY-FIVE! 

Here are 35 random things I’ve learned in 35 years. 

1. When a toilet appears clogged, don’t flush it just to see what happens.

2. Don’t spend money you don’t have unless you really can’t live without those Ugg boots.  And, you can’t.  Trust me.  Wait, is that bad advice?

3. Take your sunglasses off when a police officer pulls you over for speeding.  I’m just sayin’. 

4. Put your preferred thing to do aside, and play Sorry! with your kids.  Even if it does take FOR-EVER.

5. Suck it up.  It’s not always about you.

6. Forgive.  Immediately.

7. Go get your child out of bed on occasion, and put her in bed with you.  Just because you want to snuggle.  She is your child.  And, the years do fly by.

8. Pride doesn’t work well in a marriage.  Humble yourself, and speak kindly.

9. Trust in the Lord with all your heart.  Lord knows, I can’t lean on my own understanding.

10. It’s usually not as bad as it seems.

11. My husband is a terrible mind-reader, but he can make some mean cinnamon rolls.

12. Surround yourself with positive people.  Even funny people.  They make life bearable.

13. Listen intently to your little ones now, so they’ll share their heart when they are older.

14. Mosquitoes are aggravatin’.  Always.

15. Nothing good happens after midnight.  Get to where you’re gonna get by 12am. (Thank @jburengoss for that one.)

16. Whenever you feel disconnected from your Creator, do whatever you’ve gotta do to reconnect.  And fast.

17. Never say never.  It’s a very long time.

18. Honor your mom and dad for as long as you live.

19. I never want to exercise.  Ever.  But, I’m always happy I did.  *I need to remember this more often.*

20. Friends are great investments.

21. Junior Mints are always a good idea.

22. So is sweet tea.

23. And listening to Sting.

24. Meeting Sting is one of my favorite moments ever.

25. Right up there with graduating from college.  For real.

26. My Big Mama makes the best biscuits.  And, she makes me laugh.  I wish I could spend more time with her.

27. Divorce is hell.  Period.

28. Communicate, communicate, communicate with your spouse.  But, learn how to communicate the right way.

29. In all my travels and life experiences, I’ve seen nothing more beautiful than the birth of my children.

30. Contentment is bliss. 

31. Being with family is, too.

32. I love the local church.  Love it.  I’m so thankful for the Sunday experience with body of Christ.  Nothing refills your tank quite like it.

33. My prayer life is essential.

34. So is living a life of gratitude. *Though, I need gentle reminders of this.*

35.  And, I continue to learn how wide and long and high is the love of Christ.

I could add to this list.  So could you.

Wanna share sumpin’ you’ve learned?

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October 19, 2009 · 6:00 am

Back From Vay-kay!

Hello! (Hello!) (Hello!)

Echo! (Echo!) (Echo!)

Pffst.   Just hollerin’ at ya.  It’s been a while.  We had a great time at the el beach-o.  Right up to this one getting sick.

PCB - JH sick

But, here are some pics of happier moments.

PCB - Anna

The closing of the eyes was not accidental.  No, no my friend.  All a part of the art of picture posing.  And, when she did open her eyes….well, just have a look.

PCB - Anna 2

We collected seashells.

PCB - shells

Played in the sand.

PCB - JH - sand

And, jumped like mad.

PCB - JH jump

PCB - Anna jump

John Henry had his first fishing trip experience.  He got up early with all of the other real fishermen.  I try not to get up so early that I can’t tell if it’s night or day.

PCB - JH fishing

Apparently, it was worth every early, groggy yawn.

PCB - JH - fish

Finally, here is one of my favorite pics.

PCB - Anna mask

It was fun. Back to the land of reality, which, I must say, isn’t so bad.

Not. At. All.

I’m thankful for time with my family.  And, I’m thankful my boy is feeling a little better. 

Still taking him to his doctor today. 

Because, I’m his momma.

And, it’ll make me feel better.

Good to be home and back writing again.  I’ve missed y’all.

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October 7, 2009 · 6:00 am

Heart Check: I Want That, Too!

I am a blessed girl.  I don’t struggle with envy.  I don’t covet my neighbors’ material goods.  Because, I really have this understanding of God’s goodness in my own life.

Or do I?

Pastor Craig Groeschel of Lifechurch.tv shared this past weekend on how to be dissatisfied.  I am pretty satisfied most days.  But when he suggested that comparing what I have to people who have more is a step that leads to living a dissatisfied life? 

I had a heart check.

To be honest.  I mean really honest.

I have a nice home.  But, I can go to an even nicer home and think, “Wow!  I want one of these!”  Then, I go back to my “shack” and fail to recognize my blessings. 

Granted, I don’t live in a shack.  But, that’s the attitude that can penetrate my heart. 

I never resent God’s goodness and blessings in others’ lives.  At least, I’ve got that goin’ for me.  But when I want more, I ignore God’s goodness in my own life.  And, what is holy about that?

We left that Saturday service and I confessed my conviction to Kris.  An issue I didn’t even realize was there.  I then told him, “Babe, my love doesn’t cost a thing.”

“Really?” He said with a little sheepish grin. 

I laughed.  He lightened my mood.  However, the reality of my heart check remained. 

Conviction.

I am so much farther from “considering everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ…..”  I am so far from “considering them rubbish….” (Philippians 3:7-8)  So, I’m letting God deal with it. 

Do you ever compare what you have to people who have more?

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October 1, 2009 · 8:14 am

My Pre-Blogging Life: Part Three

journal entry jan 03 wp

January 16, 2003, my divorce was final.  Below is the latter part of my journal entry on that day.  If you are going through a difficult time today, I hope these words give you hope.  I hope they help you realize that in the middle of your storm, God’s presence and goodness is always there.

I know these things for certain:

1.  I’m blessed with a beautiful son.

2.  I have friends that carry me, make me laugh, and love me.

3.  My parents love me, and my happiness is their greatest concern.

4.  There is release in forgiveness.

5.  I am strong.

6.  I’m not afraid to love or put my heart on the line.

7.  I’m ready to, pardon the cliché, spread my wings and fly.

8.  Doors are wide open.

9.  It is good to laugh long and hard every day.

10. I’m better than okay.

11. God has only good things for me.

12. Tribulation produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope.  And, hope does not disappoint.

13. This, too, shall pass.

14. I love my life.

15. I miss my dogs.

16. I love to dance.

17. Running releases stress.

18. I’m the luckiest girl on earth.

19. I’m thankful ’02 is over.

20. I’m thankful for ’02.

Life is an incredible journey.  I learn and grow from every second it offers.  I’m in a great place, and I’ll be in a better place tomorrow.

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