simply grateful

one of those weeks? You know... the ones that just seem to drag on and on and don't seem to get better. This has been one of those weeks. Yeah, I know, it could be a lot worse. It could always be worse! But sometimes it is still discouraging...irritations come...prayers seem unanswered...or answered in a way that you really didn't want...ships don't come in...people get sick...I mean really sick...you get the idea. While I am not trying to be Suzy Sunshine here, a good friend reminded me this week that there is a bigger picture. We all have days, weeks, or even years that are hard...some even redefine "hard" for us. But, there is still hope. God is still on His throne. He is still in control. He is still in the business of miracles. He is still worthy of our trust and our praise. And He cares! Oh, how He cares! "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 In bible study Sunday, the lesson was on setting our minds on ...

Just what this sweet boy is thinking about...

Sweet new parents: Nikki & Jeff with Caleb ***SnOw DaY*** We had to get creative without a sled. Valentine's Day with Grammie & PopPop click here to see why i like shane & shane so much !

Thankful Thursday (from David) Well it's late and Heather is sleeping, so I thought I would interject this week and do a blog for her. Top things I'm thankful for this week: 1. That God continues to give me the opportunity to dig into His word and grow in my walk with Him. Then he graciously allows me to share with others what He is teaching me through the Scriptures. This week- the love of Christ. Unexpected love. Many do things to express their love because they are expected (Hello Valentine's Day) God did the unexpected, took on human flesh, made His dwelling among us, died for us, was raised and offers us a relationship with him. Wow, what an incredible God we serve. 2. A wife that continues to amaze me with her heart for the Lord, her selflessness with our family and how she continues to get prettier and prettier! The pic on this blog post is from our Valentine's Date- five and a half years later, I still am amazed she married me. 3. My children- I have ...

This week I am most thankful for: 1. This verse: "The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3 2. My amazing Valentine who continually gives of himself for the benefit of me. He has been taking night shifts with sick kids and kids with nightmares and kids who get up in the middle of the night to go potty...you get the idea. Then, he gets up the next morning, without complaint, and goes to work. He's my hero! 3. Sweet little babies who are so snuggly even when they are sick... 4. Girl friends who inspire with the way they live their lives and share the Hope that they have. 5. for second chances. 17 years ago, I finally understood that being a Christian was more about a relationship and trusting the Lord than just trying to follow the rules. I'm also thankful that God is still teaching me to trust Him more and more. I LOVE that Christianity is a journey and that God is so very patient!

Recently, I have been reminded how much I value gratitude. There have been several instances in the past couple of weeks that have brought this to the forefront of my mind. A sweet teen that we know and love was sharing her heart with me. I told her that in certain hard seasons of my own life I have really benefited from keeping a gratitude journal where I write down five things that I am grateful for each day. Believe me, there were times when those entries were pitiful: "Thank you for a working toilet." But they directed my mind back towards the positive side of life. Most of the time I could come up with something better than that. And, it seems gratitude breeds gratitude. Don't believe me? Go out of your way to show the significant people in your life that you appreciate them and watch what transpires. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday! For Christmas, I got a book called "Calm My Anxious Heart" by Linda Dillow. I have actually enjoy...