Moments

This morning I was reading a devotion from Girlfriends in God.  I love when you open God's Word or read a devotion and it speaks right to your heart.  This morning's devotion began with Mary Sutherland explaining how her grandchild was cuddled up in her lap and was touching her face. Then the question came, "How come there are so many cracks in your face?"  We all have those cracks - lines that show our experience.  And we try so hard to minimize them through all the wonderful skin care products out there that promise healthier, younger, more vibrant looking skin.  In fact, the other day I was texting a friend about our weekend plans that involve time by the pool.  I made a comment about wishing my body was looking a little more bikini ready.  She said she was feeling the same but then replied, "It's ok...we are a work in progress, lady."  We can be so critical of ourselves sometimes. And unnecessarily so.  I love the perspective my friend brought me and truly believe that our whole lives are a work in progress as God continually works to renew us and shape us.

Over the past week, I have experienced events that have put life into perspective. Last night I was watching the news and heard of three stabbings in the city, a murder trial set to begin, motorcycle accidents...the list went on.  I turned to Terry and said, "It sure puts things into perspective, doesn't it?"  Then this morning, I got a text from a girlfriend and she asked me to check in on her girls at school today.  It turns out that one of the fatal motorcycle accidents I heard about the night before was someone that her family knew.  He leaves behind a wife and three sons.  It is news like this that hits hard when people you know are impacted by grief and one moment changes their whole life.  It truly does put life into perspective of what is really important.

This past weekend, we had Terry's parents visiting.  It was wonderful to have them visit and spend time with all of us.  However, I have to say that we weren't the best hosts.  I wasn't as organized as usual with meal planning and Terry has been so busy with a major deadline that any minute he could be working on his computer, he was.  I am thankful though that despite how busy we were (and usually are with the season of life we are in), that Terry's parents could still spend time with the kids.

While we had pizza and movie night on Friday, Jaret was at his first sleepover birthday party at a friends.  There wasn't much sleep to be had, as is usually the case with sleepovers.  However, we are so grateful for the quality friendships developing.  Kirra was disappointed that she didn't get a sleepover but we spent extra time cuddling during movie night.  And she had a special text message before bed on Friday night from Beth - Beth was singing and playing guitar - to sing her to sleep, the text said.  That made her bad day end well.  I am so thankful for families who speak into the lives of my children and love on them. It is true that it takes a village to raise a family and we are blessed that there are many who take the time to give time to our children.

It is said that it is the little moments that make life big.  I definitely felt that over the weekend when I saw love in action from friends.  Thank you, Kim for taking the time to develop memories for our kids.  Thank you Colette, for taking the time to care for Kirra at school when she needed some encouragement. I am blessed knowing that there are so many people who are there to support us in raising our kids and it helping them to grow in Christ-like character and know the love of Christ through acts of service.

Cherish today and every moment.  The days go by so quickly.  Allow God's will to work in your life as you seek His plan and allow every step to fall in line with it.  Celebrate the journey of life.  Reflect on God's goodness in your life and allow it to seep into your heart.  There is so much we hold on to that takes our energy (like cracks and our body not being bikini ready) but these things are really so insignificant.  Take a deep breath and go forth choosing JOY.  Choosing GRATITUDE.  Choosing LOVE!  Today and everyday.  Because sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.

"And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."  ~ Romans 5:5

Our sweet girl had Dancenastics pictures on the weekend so she was all dolled up.  She looks a little too grown up for what I am ready for.  Trying to cherish the moments as I am seeing them pass right before my eyes too quickly.

I was grateful that her front tooth waited to fall out once dance pictures were done.  We were at DQ in the evening and as she was eating her ice cream cone she said, "What is this?"  She had her tooth in her hand.  "Really?  My tooth came out?"  

Some time in the backyard before the grandparents left:

Ended the weekend with moving a couple of shrubs around and planting a couple new ones to replace those that didn't make it through the winter.  I love gardening!  Can't wait to do my flower pots next.