Heartstrings Pulled

Amid the normal chaos of my life I can not help but feel guilty about any tiny complaint I let escape from my mouth. I have three healthy, beautiful children. I've never stood at their bedside keeping vigil over them, pleading with God to spare their lives. He just always has. I just always picture that He will.

Two precious baby boys I have never met are still struggling against all struggles to remain among us. Stellan, as I have mentioned before is struggling with a heart defect and his followers are huge in numbers. So huge in fact that the media interviewed his mama last night. So huge that a coworker called to tell me she had heard his name mentioned on a local radio station here because I had mentioned him on Facebook. No doubt this baby is a miracle baby and has quite a story to tell us. His mom is pouring out her ongoing testimony of her faith in God and no doubt everyone who visits her blog is being moved by her talents in writing, pictures, and honesty. I want only the best for that baby. For that mother. For that family.

There is another little boy I am praying for two. Again, I've never met him but baby Gavin has a hold of my heart every bit as much as baby Stellan. There are a ton of babies in need among us in the blog world but these are the two that captured my attention and have caused me to plead to God on their behalf daily.

I don't know how much attention Gavin is getting prayer wise. I don't know how many are stepping in to help his family and to assure his mama is taking care of herself so she can remain strong for her tiny son. I want so bad to just shout out to everyone who sees me "Pray for Gavin too!" I don't want to take prayers away from Stellan but oh my goodness how I want Gavin to get the attention Stellan is getting. His little body has gone through so much.

I haven't posted much lately. These little guys have pushed me to focus on my little ones and how much I should appreciate that they are here with me--especially when I feel like packing up and moving far far away from the tantrums, sibling rivalry, finicky palettes, crumbs, and scattered toys. As a mother of a soon to be 21 year old I know that all of this passes much too soon and the wonder of childhood is something you just can't get back. So if you are reading still and have a child. Embrace them. And as you do, send up a prayer for babies Gavin and Stellan.

Sunday. Beautiful Sunday

Two kids...

Two ducks...

Some gazing...

And some greedy seagulls.
Pretty perfect pictures for a pretty perfect day.

Thankful Thursday

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 15:57

More to be thankful for...

1) That Stellan and Gavin are both still hanging in there.  Praise be to God for that.
2) That folks in the blog world are praying and trusting in God for these babies.
3) That my husband is home tonight to help with the kids.
4) That I have three beautiful healthy children.
5) That my baby brother's wife is enjoying a healthy pregnancy with twin boys!!!
6) That my work week is almost over.
7) That my niece is coming tomorrow.
8) For 3 point dark chocolate hot cocoa and fat free reddi whip!
9) That it's almost bedtime.
10) For hope.  Something that has been granted me in a very significant way.

Thank you God for being with me even when I don't pay attention. 

In the news...Good Dog!

I was reading the local paper tonight and saw an interesting article on Idaho prisons. Being in an area where bad people have been known to escape from the confines of where they shan't be allowed to, I thought after reading this article I might like to see more dogs 'round these here parts.

Mean dogs stand guard at Idaho prison

Food for thought.

Babies In Need

I haven't been much for posting lately. Today I'm asking for prayers for two little guys that are in a bit of trouble right now and really need God's touch.

Stellan - http://www.mycharmingkids.net/

Gavin - http://gavinowens.blogspot.com/

I only know these precious children through the words and pictures of their parents but I can tell you the journeys I have taken with them, through their blogs, have made me quite attached. If you are a prayer warrior now is the time.

Thankful Thursday

Gonna run these down real quick like because it's time for bed and I had a very looooong day at work. Almost 13 hours. Add a 90 minute commute in total and arriving home to two sweaty rambunctious kids and you will know what I mean.


So...

1. I'm thankful that I don't have to go to work again until Tuesday!!!! Whaaaaaahooooo!
2. I'm extremely thankful (excited) that I was chosen from the lottery to attend a play with my daughter's class tomorrow. Ya-ay!
3. I'm very happy that Watson resurfaced Wednesday. You see Watson is my favorite little girl in the world's best friend and she snuck him to school and lost him on Tuesday and she sobbed a really long time on Tuesday just before bedtime.
4. I'm thankful that though I'm still slightly hungry from being on this diet I have not eaten off any fingers yet.
5. I'm thankful that pizza was good enough for the family tonight and that I didn't eat even a teeny tiny morsel of cheese. Not on the ride home. Not when I served the kids. Not even a finger lick!
6. I'm thankful that my co-worker does not have jury duty tomorrow thus enabling me to rest assured our help desk is in good hands. Thank you beautiful co-worker!
7. I'm thankful that my mommy brought home-made chocolate chip oatmeal cookies to my house and I have yet to tear into them. (No no she is not a diet sabotager. She knows my husband is under the weather and she loves her grandkids too. Oh and even if I DO have JUST one it will still be healthier than a slice of pizza and I would be within in my point range STILL with points to spare. So there!)
8. I am extremely thankful that we have things to do outside the house on Saturday which will motivate me to NOT sit around and watch chick flicks instead of MOVING my body.
9. I'm thankful that I was able to get all of my tasking done today so I don't't have to fret about what I'd left UNdone all weekend.
10. I'm thankful that my kids have settled down so I don't have to be angry mama before bedtime.


Thank you God for all you do.

Voice of Truth

This week has been one of those weeks at work. Unfortunately it seems like my weeks like this are starting to run together. I don't like it. I feel down trodden. In deep despair. Somebody underneath my feet, I think, has gotten a hold of my New Year's Resolution to live, laugh, and love more and they are trying to get me to do anything but.

I cried to a dear friend today on my way home. I told her I didn't understand why I had to do this. Why I had to work in a place that causes me so much grief. Yes, I know there is a recession and that there are plenty of people that would kill for my job because it comes with a salary. I am thankful that my husband and I are able to provide for our household. That doesn't mean that doing it makes it any more pleasant for me.

It was also on the way home that I heard these words on the radio. "Boy, you'll never win, you'll never win." And my ears perked up. If ever I've had a song snap me to attention more clearly it was in this moment. But after that discouraging line came this one, "But the voice of truth tells me a different story the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!" and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory".

And people THAT is the beauty of God's ways. I'm not saying a switch flipped and I was instantly happy, because I'm still a bit tearful as I write this. No, I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel at work but I CAN see, through God, that it's that place that comes AFTER the tunnel that I can be secure in. That place that not everybody finds and friend let me tell you if you haven't found it you are missing out.

I'm speaking of eternity. Not the here and now but the there and then. And if I continue to work on focusing on the there and then I'm pretty sure I can get to the point of feeling like a kid anticipating recess. And really if all I'm thinking about is recess all those other subjects should just fade away into the gray. Don't you think?

Oh and to that friend I mentioned, who is always so patient and willing to lend an ear...I love you and thank you for reminding me that I need to let the little irritants go so they don't consume me.



(Song lyric credits go to Casting Crowns - "Voice of Truth")