A Gift

I have a devotional book that I received from my best friend back in the mid-90s. Each page assigned a calendar day and some faith-based message. Some are heavy and some are quite humorous. I keep it in a convenient place (i.e. my bathroom) where I am almost guaranteed to lay my eyes and hands on it each day, as long as we are home.

Back in 2006, I started writing the current year on the page if I had read it. I set some rules for myself...no turning pages back to a missed day or jumping ahead if I know I will not be home to read it. I can only read the current day. And if something of significance happens on a specific day, I make sure to note it. This gives me the chance to give thanks on those specific anniversaries for lessons learned and unexpected blessings.
 
I always have a pen handy so that I can underline any statement or phrase that convicts me or gets my brain to working.  It's interesting to notice each year what has seemed previously underline-worthy and what was not...all evidence of my new location in life's journey.

This book has been such a precious gift to me...and I hope that it will be a precious gift to my daughters someday...a keepsake sharing my faith and life events with them, a place for them to visit each day to relive a Bible verse or lesson through my eyes.  I also hope to plant some seed in them to always spend some time with their Creator and Savior each day...even if it is only for a few minutes...even if it's in the bathroom.

Snowpalooza

I must confess...I stole that title...from my 6 year old.  With this only being the second accumulation of any snow for the 2011-12 winter season, the 1-2" total snowfall felt like a wintry festival to her.  As a former 6 year old myself, I can understand her excitement.

As I look at the fresh, undisturbed white blanket outside my windows, though, I can't help but recall Isaiah 1:18..." 'Come now, let us reason together,' Says the Lord, 'Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.' "

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your perfect plan of salvation for me through the sacrifice of Jesus.  A mercy undeserved...a debt I can never repay.

Friendship

Her friend moved to another state over fourteen months ago.  Today marks the fourth time they have seen each other in that time. And I love that they are always able to pick up like there has been no gap since their last visit.  While I understand this may not be a stretch for six-year-olds, it is the perfect opportunity to start understanding the gift of friendship.  I am so thankful for the special people God has placed in my life...ladies who teach me so much about faith, marriage, parenting and serving others. Because we are all so busy with our families and current seasons of life, our 'girlfriend' time is a rare opportunity. But it is always treasured...full of laughs...sometimes sprinkled with tears...and I love that we are always able to pick up like there has been no gap since our last visit.

Cat Herders

I'm sitting at my first grader's second Upward cheerleading pactice, and I feel compelled to give thanks for that special group of people...the volunteer coaches.  I am thankful for their organization.  And for their efforts to make it all fun for the kids by shouting out "Hands on hips! Smiles on lips" and for incorporating technical terms like "razzle-ma-dazzle".   I'm sure they don't always feel up to the task...I'm sure that many of us parents are no picnic...but they still reach out to bless those kids.  And I hope they are blessed in return.

Zumba & I

I am not what you would call a Zumba enthusiast.  A handful of years ago, a friend had loaned me some Zumba DVDs to try out.  I tried this workout for a few minutes...until the music built up such a craving for chips and salsa that I had to make up a dish to enjoy while I watched the DVDs.  Since that time, I have avoided Zumba opportunities...because the chips-and-salsa craving seemed counter-productive.

I can't help but pause here and wonder what kind of music would inspire a carrot and celery craving for me. 

Anyway...

This Christmas, I received the Zumba package shown below, to be used on the Wii game.  I've decided to try it long enough to, not only rid myself of the chip-and-salsa craving caused by the music, but to also develop the impulse to break out into my best Zumba moves every time I have chips and salsa.  My kids are going to love this...especially at our fave local Mexican food joints.

One thing I did learn today from my animated Zumba instructors...every song requires a wardrobe change.  

Full Moon

Just couldn't decide which pic to share tonight...so I'll choose two.

Steeples

I love church steeples!! I love the way they stand tall in a small town and the way they adorn a cityscape. Someday I will have the time to stop and take photos of these architectural beacons that I so often zoom by during this season of my life. Until then, I will continue to appreciate their steadfast position in changing times and 'developing' communities...and use them as a reminder to give thanks for Jesus, His love for me and my own church family.

This steeple rests atop Berean Baptist Church, Grand Blanc, MI.