Seem so small

In Him all things are possible, and yes, there are people going through harder times than I have been, or could possibly ever dream of. Isn't it amazing how God never makes us feel like our problems aren't as big as others' problems?

For each "season" of my life, good or bad, I've noticed a song always seems to come on the radio that applies to my situation at the time. The morning of the day I found out my mom had 2 weeks left, I heard a song about "I believe there are more than angels watching over me." Lately, this song by Carrie Underwood has been popular, and I find it divine that I was enjoying it before I even understood the words. The other night, listening to it, and reflecting on the things going on in my life right now, the words were suddenly so clear to me. I'll share the parts that stuck out to me:

"What you got if you aint got love?
The kind that you just wanna give away
It's okay to open up
Go ahead and let the light shine through
I know it's hard on a rainy day
You wanna shut the world out
And just be left alone

Don't run out on your faith

Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing
Is just a grain of sand
What you've been out there searching for forever,
Is in your hands

When you figure out love is all that matters, after all
It sure makes everything else
Seem so small

It's so easy to get lost inside
A problem that seems so big, at the time
It's like a river that's so wide
It swallows you whole

While you're sittin round thinking about what you can't change
And worryin' about all the wrong things
Time's flying by, moving so fast
You better make it count, cause you can't get it back"

So long 2007

As I see the coming of the New Year I am thinking of hopes, resolutions, and things I'd like for 2008. I read an article in our local newspaper that suggested unless we share our resolutions we have no hope of accomplishing them. So, in front of you all, I list the few I've been considering as December winds down:

Love more unconditionally

Listen better

Forgive and have mercy

Go to church every month, at least

Develop a bigger heart for thankfulness

These are all kind of big, and vague, but I feel I'll get further if I apply these and let all the other small tasks and resolutions come into play as I get better with these.

Many blessings to you all in 2008! The best is yet to come...

It's Christmas Eve and I remember...

I never thought I'd see another Christmas Eve as uncertain as 5 years ago, but God apparently had other plans for me. In effort to hang on to the true meaning of this season I note the thoughts I have today.

Today I remember childhood Christmases, so eager to enjoy the parties, the presents, the people.

Today I remember frantic baking traditions with my mom, wrapping last minute gifts, trying to be patient and good just one last evening before Santa visited.

Today I remember making a plan with my sister as we schemed what time we'd wake up Christmas morning, and what presents we'd open first, and when we were older, we would put together secret surprise stockings for mom and dad, "from Santa's elves."

Today I remember the year my Grandpa H. finally lost to cancer and though I was small, I remember watching my mom console my dad when they thought they were alone.

Today I remember working for a dear friend his first Christmas after losing his dad.

Today I remember one of my favorite Christmases 6 years ago, when everyone I loved was healthy and happy and together.

Today I remember candy cane cookies, homemade caramels, frosted fruit bars, chocolate covered butter crunch, peanut brittle, caramel corn, gingersnaps, my uncle's panatone', my neighbor's divinity.

Today I remember the phone call about 6:30 am when my dad called to confirm my mom was finally at rest.

Today I remember the visitors who came in love, with food and support.

Today I remember trying to carry on as in Christmases past, but all of us knowing that it would never be the same again.

Today I remember wrapping presents quietly in my first house feeling that God was close and that peace was with her.

Today I remember a diamond ring full of promise and sweetness and anticipation.

Today I remember my first Christmas as a wife, trying to make our new apartment as festive as possible at the last minute.

Today I remember silly pajamas that started a new tradition.

Today I remember feeling that all I was waiting for, all I was hoping for, all I was trying for was coming together.

Today I remember our first Christmas in our "first home," hosting dinner for both families and celebrating his first Christmas with his brother.

Today I remember that God blessed us tremendously with a Gift, that is His Son, who he sent here just for us, to save us and bring us home to Him.

Today I remember that there have been many Christmases, some wonderful, some harder than others, but that they just keep coming and life moves forward.

Today I remember love and family and friends as good as family.

Today I remember that through Christmas God gave us hope. That is what I hold today, Hope. I wish everyone hope and joy in the true blessings of Christmas.

Glory to God in the Highest

Of all our yearly blessings, this season marks the greatest Gift. God's blessings to you!

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Luke 2: 8-14

Merry Christmas!

Heart wounds

Typically I write "good" things here, but tonight all I can post is that while my body in near perfect health, my heart is wounded. I am amazed how physically sick my stomach can feel, and how burning and hurt my heart can pound at emotional distraught. I know that however God plans to lead my next steps that I will be fine, but for now, the log has been pulled from my eye and stabbed in my heart.

To remind you all of a precious gift we are given, that is harder to uphold than it seems, I give you this verse we've all heard before:

Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.

~Corinthians 13:4-8

Only in Him

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted

And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

~Psalm 34:18~

Season of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving blessings! :)

In honor of this Thanksgiving weekend I am simply going to recount my blessings here:

1. My dear husband
2. Stable, and mostly fun job
3. Loving and supportive family
4. Thoughtful friends
5. Almost a year in our first home
6. Silly puppy
7. 10 pounds lost and counting
8. God's love and mercy
9. Renewed interest in cooking and menu planning
10. Awareness of the small blessings, and hope for future blessings.

I hope your Thanksgiving revealed the things you are grateful for in plenty. Feel free to post the things you gave thanks for this weekend.

Learning to pray

I've been raised with prayer, I've prayed before, but when it comes down to it, I'm not sure that I'm really confident that I am good at prayer. I understand He wants us to speak to Him as familiar as possible, to be personal, heartfelt, and honest...and most of all faithful. As I develop a more personal, or a renewed personal, relationship with Him, I am learning to pray. Pray more often, more habitually, in good times and in bad. So why is it that prayer does not come easily when that is simply what God wants...sounds so easy!

I am learning to trust that my soul knows what He needs to hear when I pray. I also try to just talk with Him as if He was at my side physically, like a friend in the car you talk casually with as you get where you're going. I admit that I think my own personal inhibitions and insecurities play into my prayer, and I have to fight the tendency to worry what He'll think if I say something wrong or not good enough. Why is it that of all creation, God is certainly the Master of unconditional love, and it's even hard to trust THAT?

I will keep learning to pray and learning to trust that my heart and the Holy Spirit know what I need to say. I expect like talking or walking, this is a skill that gets better and easier with use. I keep recalling the verse that says 'when I am weak He is made strong" and thinking that I am like spiritual steroids for God---I am certainly giving Him plenty of opportunity to become stronger. :)

Even Mondays have blessings

I know sometimes Monday's can seem daunting, especially for a work week, but even Mondays have blessings to count. Although, sometimes it is sort of relieving when a Monday is "survived" and the light of Tuesday is around the corner. Mondays are like ripping off the band aid, a bittersweet beginning to the week. Mondays mark the end of the weekend, but they also offer the availability of time left in the week to be productive and prepare for another weekend. :)

Here are the blessings I count tonight:

1. Spur of the moment dinner plans with friends and fun kids.
2. I'm feeling much better with my sinus bug/allergy thing of late.
3. My puppy snuggled all cozy this morning and the air was crisp and chilly.
4. A dear friend helped me AGAIN to complete a project I began.
5. My new lifestyle continues to be rewarding and I'm finding renewed energy and a positive outlook as a result.
6. God forgives if you ask nicely. :)

Happy Tuesday!

Romans 5...Perseverance = Hope

I often feel humbled that indeed the Bible has the right things to say for almost any situation. However I've been learning that while many passages have words of encouragement, discipline, direction, or assurance, sometimes one clicks more than another.

Recently I have been exploring Passage more casually, finding the words I need to be reminded of the person I should be and how life can be. Several verses felt "right," but one that seemed to fit well for my life recently was offered out of Romans, in Chapter 5.

Romans 5, in whole, is humbling because it reminded me that people have had trials and challenges throughout time, and that all of them are worth it and pale in comparison to Christ's sacrifice for our eternal peace and God's mercy. However one particular part of the chapter offered me explanation for why it is that God wants us to see our challenges through with faith:

"Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand and we exult in the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5: 1-5

...I always wondered where hope came from. :) I will persevere, I will build character, and I will continue to have hope. Thank God!

Making my way through...

I have not forgotten my 'post' responsibilities, but needed time to take care of my life offline. :) I'm beginning to feel renewed, thanks to a few friends and the Word, and felt that today I would finally post...I can't believe it's been over 4 weeks! oops!!

I've discussed before how it seems so much easier to journal privately about negative things I am coping with in life, as opposed to journaling the blessings and positive things that happen everyday. In contrast, I find it harder to blog about negative things, and easier to share the blessings here, which I suppose has to do with my own internal issues (what will people think, etc), but nevertheless, it's good for me, and encouraging to others when I post about blessings in my life.

To begin a new month of posts I would like to list the blessings that have been present in my life, even in the darker times:

1. I am not ever alone, even when it feels that way. I have wonderful, good-hearted, and wise friends, loving family, and a loyal puppy...not to mention a husband that always tries to be supportive, and of course God and His mercy and grace for me.
2. I have a flexible job that allows me to do my work in the peace of my own home, and that is supportive of my personal life's well-being.
3. I am able to read. This may sound sort of simple and plain, but lately I've been realizing I'd be no where if I couldn't read inspiration in the Bible or in other books...let alone positive emails and instant messages from friends who hold me accountable.
4. Even when it's a huge challenge, I am able to see the silver lining, and my faith remains true that there is a plan for my life that will make sense, in the near or far future.
5. I have the luxury to have resources to help me when I'm down.

These might seem vague, and I admit that in writing them even I am still feeling a bit 'exposed' sharing them, but I'm glad to share them and I know they are true. I look forward to sharing more with you and appreciate the couple readers that have asked me 'where I've been' on my blogging... I hope to be back to my blogs more regularly because they are a special outlet for me, that I never realized I needed.

Many blessings!~

Count 'em...1-5

Lately I feel I'm on an uphill climb and I can't see the top yet. When I feel I'm overwhelmed I notice that it becomes easier to see the negative things...even if they are little. I reminded myself tonight that in times like these, when I feel like things spin faster and faster and I can't keep up, I have to settle down, and count my blessings. This helps focus me, grounding me to what is happening in the present, and reminds me that God is right there where He promised He'd be...by my side.

So, here are my 5 blessings I count tonight, in no particular order:

1. Tomorrow is Friday!


2. I reached out to help a long lost acquaintance.


3. It's raining tonight and the fall weather has been so comfortable.


4. My husband painted for our family.


5. I'm not on-call this weekend.

To sum this up I feel it appropriate to quote a song my mom and one of my good friends loved by Garth Brooks:

"Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you're talkin' to the Man upstairs
Just because He doesn't answer, doesn't mean He don't care
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers."

Have a blessed weekend!

The King and The Pawn

Being that La Donna Benedetta is Italian for The Blessed Woman, I searched for Italian Proverbs tonight. I came across this short quote, which I feel has many possible interpretations, both earthly and spiritually.

After the game, the King and the pawn go into the same box.

At first I read this and immediately thought of an earth-bound interpretation, thinking more literally along the lines of games and life, etc. But when I read it again, I saw it as more than just a literal "we're all equal" kind of sentiment.

Simply summed up this proverb supports a lot of what I've been learning spiritually lately: if we live under God's expectations, and use the blessings He gives us to our potential, we all go into the same "box," or heaven. No matter how important, known, or successful we see ourselves, if we meet His expectations for our lives we will all finish the game here on earth and go into heaven together.

Kings and pawns, rich and poor, healthy and weak, smart and simple: all are welcome in heaven's "box." My interpretation may only be relative to me, but as a lover of analogies and comparisons, this Italian proverb "hit home" with me tonight (sorry for the game pun!) LOL.

Many blessings!

Until we meet again...

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NIV)

The Coming of the Lord

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.
We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
Therefore encourage each other with these words.

...In memory of Ginger

Seasonal sentiments

My sister blog, My Cancer Story, posted 'myHarvest' a couple weeks ago and I thought it fit well for the onset of fall. Here's the post:

I came upon this scripture today and wanted to share it's encouragement:

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ~Galatians 6:9

What harvest are you trying to reap? Do you have faith that there is a harvest for your efforts in good? I've often noticed that God is more often acknowledged under bad circumstances. Some people turn to Him for support, help, hope, others turn against Him for a lack of understanding His plan. Though He wants us to lean on Him when we are weak, He also needs us to believe He is there when we reap our harvests.

~What I get from this:
I try to remember to acknowledge God's plan and presence in the good times, as well as in the bad. It's sometimes harder to remember to praise God for the blessings He gives in answer to prayer during hard times. I remind myself to pray thanks as often as I pray for help.

Further, I like this message because it implies that we should not use time of struggle to justify discontinued acts of good. His harvest is promised to be bountiful and rewarding!

10 Things I Love About My Spouse

A friend gave me a list of prompts for journaling or scrapbooking. One of them caught my attention and I thought it would be appropriate to share here, since this blog is about counting my blessings.

10 Things I Love About My Husband...seems like something that most wives would want to brag about often, but in my brief marital experience, the things I love about my husband aren't always the things I talk about instantly. As wives we are advised to not speak poorly of our husbands to others, but so often it seems easier to share the frustrating parts of marriage, rather than the blessings.

So in effort to earn forgiveness for my slight of mouth, I want to share, wholeheartedly (and humbly) the...

10 Things I Love About My Husband:

1. His work ethic ~ I will never have to worry about him not providing for our family. He works to provide for us every day of the week, and rarely complains.
2. His devotion to family, even when he won't admit it.
3. His bright blue eyes and how deeply they look at me.
4. He often is first to say he loves me after we argue.
5. His willingness to help loved ones and friends. He's also a thoughtful and generous tipper.
6. The silly side he only shows me; he makes me laugh!
7. He remembers things I say I'd like and then surprises me with them as gifts for Christmas or my birthday.
8. He dreams big and plans how to achieve his goals.
9. He likes most of my cooking and doesn't complain about meals.
10. He gets mad at me when I get the door for myself.

Actually as I listed I realized I could keep listing more qualities or thoughts about my husband. Instead, I'll save those for another day when I need to remind myself of the blessings God has given me in my husband and through marriage.

Change the tendency to vent about challenges in your marriage and share the blessings instead.
What are 5-10 things you love about your spouse?

One week til Fall...

Windows open, extra blanket on the bed, snugly puppy, leaves changing color, shorter days, chili and soups for supper...HURRAY autumn is on the way!

To me, autumn is more renewing and hopeful than spring, summer, or winter. I love changing seasons; I love something about each season, but by far, I think I look forward to fall each year more than the other seasons.

Winter through summer feels like a speeding up of time...winter being the slow start, spring getting up momentum, and summer in full speed. In summer there is a potential for discontentment, "how much can I get done in a day?" behavior. Go-go-go all summer, taking full advantage of long days, comfortable nights, and fair weather opportunity.

With autumn, relief. Summer's speed winds down. I can still do things outside, without worry of dehydration or sun stroke, not to mention it's my best hair season (in between the sweaty brow and rainy seasons). :) In the fall I sleep better, cozied up with windows cracked or wide open. It's cool enough to relieve the plants and allow recovery from summer's scorch in time to hibernate for winter. Autumn brings on the hope of a new year soon to come, the bliss of the holidays, and the chance to plan for the future while harvesting a year's worth of work. The air seems cleaner, fresher, easier to breathe. People seem happier, easy-going; it's like the feeling when you take a long vacation and in a way you are sad that the fun adventures are at an end, but in a huge way you are so glad to be going home because vacations are exhausting!

Autumn also allows time for reflection, which may be why it has become the season I look forward to the most. There is time to notice the changing weather, the motion of the sun and the the patterns of the sky. Fall brings about a consciousness of changing seasons, more than the others do. Fall helps me appreciate the other seasons by reminding me that there is a time for all things to begin and end.

That said, a few lines from Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, sums up my feelings about fall:

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven--time to give birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.
time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.
time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace.
~Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

May autumn bring you blessings!

9/11...remember when

It was a little odd today, being that after 6 years, September 11th fell on a Tuesday again. I couldn't help reflect on that horrific day in American history, which has since changed our lives in many ways.

I remember my mom waking me up at about 6:00, stating that something serious was happening and I should be aware of it. I watched the news clips and first worried about a friend living in NYC, a friend on duty in the Navy, my grandma in Virginia (being so close to D.C.), and my sister in L.A. (where there was rumor of another plane headed there that morning). I was shocked; nothing I had seen on the news had quite shaken me that way. I held back tears and tried to be brave, while at the same time feeling skeptical that I had actually just seen the terror on TV.

Next, prayer. People at work trickled in slowly, most late for shifts. Radios and news clips dialed in on various radio stations and websites. People chattered about theories, guessing what was really going on, what it really meant. No one could focus. Some people hugged, some cried, some complained about politics, some made phone calls to loved ones. The following day I remember being the kindest day in traffic history ever. People merged easily, making eye contact with others and waving them through. There seemed to be little speeding on the freeway; people seemed conscious that we were all alike...scared, proud, hopeful, proactive...Americans. At school the professors talked openly about the events and allowed the day's itinerary to be replaced by casual discussion about the disasters. The radio played the national anthem over and over, and God actually made it to mainstream conversations.

I remember talking with my pregnant friend about how she felt about bring a child into the world with these risks of terror. She admitted it scared her, but that she had faith in God's plan for the future; she didn't see sense in letting worry for when He will take us consume her life.

Remember...

Tonight I want to honor the victims, as well as the men and women who served to protect this country, over seas and at home. As a result of this day in history, many lives have been changed in ways never expected or imagined. God bless America and the people who defend it!

I am blessed to live in this country. :)

Investing talents

I've been reading a wonderfully inspirational book, The True Measure of a Woman, by Lisa Bevere, (buy here through Amazon!) and something in a chapter I just finished finally clicked last night. It referred to 'The Parable of the Talents,' in Matthew 25:14-30.

I was recently persuaded to join MySpace by a couple friends who wanted me to keep in touch online with them there. I began searching old classmates and came across a few that seemed to have made quite a success of their life, achieving their dreams at such a young age and still moving on up. I had a sudden, sinking feeling, like "Wow, I thought I was doing alright, but look at them! They're really doing something!" Comparison, doubt, and jealousy swept over me like a shadow, consuming me for a moment, enough so that I had a hard time seeing through the dark for the blessings that I have. Then it occurred to me:

~God gives us each talents according to what He believes we can achieve with them. He trusts we will have faith in His intentions, enough to maximize the opportunity He provided.

In Matthew 25:14-30, the parable of the servants and the talents Jesus distributed is told. As I understood it, Jesus invested money with three servants, who each received a different amount, and He expected them to have faith in His distribution. Two servants invested their money and doubled the investment, while the last servant, having received the least amount, became skeptical of His intentions and hid the talent so as not to deal with the opportunity he was given. In the end, Jesus came back to "settle accounts" and the first two servants were rewarded for having invested their money wisely and profitable for their Master. The third servant was punished for his lack of faith in his Master, as well as for his ignorance and laziness.

What I learn from this:

By trusting in God's gift, the first two servants were able to make full use of the 'talents' they received, and in the end, they profited not only by investing wisely, but by showing faith in His investment in them. The third servant was punished because he did not see how he could prosper from his Master's money or plans, so he hid it and ignored the potential for reward.

What clicked for me was that God may have given some of my peers greater amounts of 'talents' than given to me, but that I am supposed to make the most of what He has entrusted to me. Further, I will be rewarded as fully as the others who meet their potential for God's investments in them. God gives us the amount of 'talents' which He believes we have the ability to spend wisely and give back to Him in return.

I may be mixing up a bit of the story; I am not a minister, but a woman reading the Word and making sense of the blessings entrusted to me. How much has God given you? When He comes to settle accounts will you be able to prove you spent His investment in you well?

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'" ~Matthew 25:23~

Sufficient for the day...

There come days when all I can think about is tomorrow...the future, the what-ifs, the uncertain. I have heard many times not to worry about tomorrow, but it never stuck until last year when several troubling events piled up around the same time.

It is part of human nature to try to plan and prepare for the future. While I believe that some amount of preparedness is healthy and helpful, it can also lead to a lack of faith not only in oneself to handle a situation, but also in God's plan for our tomorrows.

Tonight one of my best friends will be close in heart, prayer and thought as she tries to let tomorrow worry about itself.

~Dear Friend, find comfort in His word:

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. ~Matthew 6:34

Crosses to Bear

Yesterday I went to a women's Bible study breakfast with a close friend. Each month my friend's church holds a women's breakfast where the older women cook breakfast dishes and teach a message to the group. Yesterday's message was about depression and how the word of God can help dissipate the gloomy cloud of depression. What I took home from the study was this:

We all have crosses to bear. Bearing crosses, I understand, is part of God's plan for us, which is part of His bigger plan for the world. We are not perfect, we are fallible, and we can find strength to carry our crosses in Him. By bearing our crosses with grace and faith in His plan we make God happy; furthermore, we make Him stronger, which turns out to make us stronger too!

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

What crosses do you bear? What keeps happening to you, or what has happened to you that you deal with everyday? Are there crosses that you are trying to carry by yourself? Are there crosses you are bearing that would be easier with His help?

Back to the Future

I love the movie, Disney's 'The Kid,' and it prompts me to ask the question:

If you could go back in time and talk to yourself as a kid, what would you tell your kid-self?

I have never been the type to want to do any age over again. Each year is different, yet the same, and full of possibilities to learn and grow, and have more fun than the year before! However, I know that the desire to share our retrospect with our past selves is tempting...impossible, but tempting.

If I could share what I know now with my kid-self, it might go like this:

Kid, stop worrying about the future and enjoy this time with your family and less responsibility. There will be hard times, and wonderful times, and you'll make it through them all. Don't wait to stand up for what you believe in; someday soon you'll be respected for it instead of harassed. You'll become strong, funny, smart...and boys will finally think you are cute! There is no such thing as a perfect person, God is listening, and your parents really are cool (and right!). Oh, and don't be embarrassed when your mom flashes the sign language for "I love you" in front of your friends...just do it back and mean it. It means more to her now, and it will mean more to you later.

And finally, just love life, SMILE, and don't let the bullies, pouts, and poor sports convince you that you shouldn't enjoy the blessings you have been graced with. Be smart! Be brave! Be bold! It all turns out ok, in His plan.

Of course, I may be a little young to be certain of what I would say, and maybe in 20 more years I'll have more I would want to share with my self now, during this present.

Stay young at heart! Your past is not your future...

A Fool Calls it Luck

There are phrases, comments, advice that people give which stand out. Sometimes they are random, sometimes they are relative. Sometimes they are from strangers, acquaintances, friends or loved ones.

I recalled one last night as I was trying to think of what to share here today. A dear friend's husband used to say this when I would wish them good luck:

Luck is a fool's way of labeling God's blessings. What you mean is to wish God's blessings...

I paraphrase, of course, because I didn't note the direct quote at the time. I've heard the concept a few other times since then, but his perspective is the most vivid. While I do still wish good luck, it means more in my heart; there is really no such thing as luck, just God's promise to bless our lives if we have faith in His plan.

God bless!

Have a Good Day!

I was looking for something inspirational to share in today's post and I found the following in my search. The website, Appleseeds.org, looked to have several good articles and lists of motivation and encouragement. Right away, the list below stood out to me. To read the full explanations click the link below. Have a good day!!



10 Ways to Have a Better Day Today
by Geno Stampora

1. Wake up 30 Minutes Early
2. Read, Listen, or Watch Something Uplifting
3. Eat a Good Breakfast to Start You Off Right (oh my mom would LOVE this tip!)
4. Choose Your Winning Attitude
5. Be Aware of What They are Telling You
6. Make the Most of What You Do
7. Always Remember that People are Listening
8. Be Honest and Fair to Others
9. Pace Your Energy to Last All Day
10. Get in Bed Early and Study for the Future (easier said than done it seems, but right on. It includes journaling or reading at bedtime.)

Many blessings!

When I Get Where I'm Going

This week marks one year since my beloved Grandpa passed away from Alzheimer's. I visited my Grandma this week, who faithfully kisses his picture every day and night and admits she can't wait to be with him in heaven. I miss my Grandpa, but find comfort knowing he is with his two children, waiting for us all to join them for a reunion when our times come.

There is a song that I love by one of my favorite country musicians, Brad Paisley (duet with Dolly Parton, another fave). It's called When I Get Where I'm Going, and it is about how we shouldn't begrudge people the happiness of finally joining our Father in heaven. This is the chorus:

When I get where I'm going there'll be only happy tears.
I will shed the sins and troubles I have carried all these years.
I'll keep my heart wide open, I will love and have no fear.
When I get where I'm going, don't cry for me down here.

Another piece I remember is a poem from the TV show Little House on the Prairie (yes, I love it...and I am teased incessantly by most people my age for it...LOL). A woman new she was dying and wrote the reverend a poem to read at her grave:

Remember me with smile and laughter
for that is how I'll remember you all
If you can only remember me with tears,
Then don't remember me at all.

My Grandpa was known for always having a big smile on his face and being friendly to loved ones and strangers alike. I was surprised God left him here with us so long, because he is such a joy to be around that I was sure He would want him home sooner. So really, the only tears he deserves are tears of gladness that he is safe and sound, and perfect in heaven. I'm not saying this is easy to think and react beyond my own emotions, but it helps to have words and songs to think about when the missing gets stronger than the rejoicing.

Of course, the strongest words of encouragement can be found in Thessalonians 4:13-18. You would do your soul well to look it up and read it slowly, acknowledging the vision it paints, and realizing it will happen, when we all get where we're "going."

In honor of my Grandpa, I pass along to you one of the things he would tell me all the time:

Always wear a smile...so people wonder what you're up to. :)

Week's end challenge

TGIF! As the weekend approaches, challenge yourself to write down at least 5 good things from this passed week...even if one of them is simply that it is finally Friday. :)

Here are my week's blessings:

1. New creative outlet in blogging (aren't you lucky!?)
2. Wild turkeys are helping to turn over my mulch beds (hey, their little feet are better than any rake!)
3. Fall color has already hit a Liquidambar and my Maples (autumn is so close!)
4. I was able to help out a friend who is more than always there for me
5. God keeps testing me and I'm still hanging on

**BONUS: and It's Friday!!!

Have a safe and delightful weekend!

Woman to woman...shhhhhhh

Recently I read an article that suggested 10 things to say to "wow" your "guy." I was intrigued, because my husband tries to keep a straight face whenever I compliment him, so I never know if he is flattered or annoyed. So I tried a few of them, and I immediately saw results. Here are the ones I used:

"Your arms are definitely looking bigger."

I said this to him and he got all bashful, and shy, looking modest and said "I don't think so...really?" So cute! Having been married now for several years, I'm finally accepting that men don't want the same compliments women crave. "You look nice," or "I like your hair" doesn't go over the same on most men. However, I do believe that men still care what we think of their bodies and even if they don't admit it, a little affirmation that their bods still spark us up, goes a long way.

"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha."

I love laughing, especially when it means encouraging his laugh. The more I talk to fellow wives, the more I realize how silly husbands can be behind closed doors with their wives. Giving a hearty laugh really encouraged the fun behavior and sparked an energy that went beyond a good laugh. ;)

"Wow." or "Impressive!"

It sounded cheesy and stereotypical, but it worked. I don't remember what I chose to respond to with this, but I do remember that he paused in his tracks and looked affirmed. It doesn't matter what you use it for; could be a tremendous feat or an everyday chore, but saying this little word seemed to show my appreciation for his efforts as a man, more than "thank you" or "you did a good job" could ever communicate.

"The kids just adore you."

We don't have kids yet, but I know how important being a good dad will be to my husband when we do have a child. I'll have to remember this affirmation...let me know if it works. :)

"What do you think?"

I often find myself caught up in what "I think" when it comes to decisions in our marriage, and this simple question of interest not only allows him input, but also forces me to slow down and listen.

"Cute feet."

Hard to explain, but it did cause a giggle, smile, and bashful reaction. Often men's feet are not considered appealing, and complimenting this feature proved worth the effort. I think the only time a woman could get away with using "cute" to describe a part of the male body is in this case...use sparingly or they may get suspicious.

"I want you."

Simple, to the point, and obviously meeting one of man's primary interests, and affirming you still find him appealing. Just be sure you have time for the response...

Please feel free to share your own experiences with "wow-ing" your man. In my experience I am happier when he is happy, and he is happy when I am happy; to encourage the circle I'm willing to spare a few one-liners to make his moment. Happy wow-ing!

Developing 20/20 Hindsight...

Today I remember something from a year ago that was troubling, scary, and frustrating. Looking back I find it only appropriate to note the blessings that have happened since then, which I couldn't imagine happening at that time.

To name a few:

• new role at work with flexibility to work from home
• first house
• first dog
• clearing debt
• my husband's employment offered more stability for our future
• our first “new” couch (donated furniture is a blessing, but there is something special about furniture you pick out)
• Inherited a truck (very handy for new home owners)
• Hosted our first Christmas dinner in our new home
• Planted in soil, rather than containers
• Still faithful there is a plan

My first blog!

I am interested in sharing ideas on living today's hectic life as a woman who is grateful and content with what she has, as well as optimistic and ambitious about what could be. As wife, daughter, sister, friend, coworker, and someday a mother, I try count the blessings I was given as a woman.

I hope this site will inspire women to remember that they can be bold, while still being innocent, hopeful, while not naive, assertive and intelligent, while listening and learning. I believe there is a balance between strength and submission as a woman that can bring peace, grace, and beauty to the life of The Blessed Woman, or La Donna Benedetta.