Sickness

This week, we have had the flu. 
It started with my husband.  Last Friday, he was in bed at 4pm and honestly, I am not sure he got out of bed all weekend.  Followed by Saturday, my son spiked a fever and then on Sunday my daughter was next...I knew it was going to be a long week!
 

Ironically enough, through fevers, cough, and lack of sleep,

I have really enjoyed the time just being with the kids.

It was nice to snuggle all day EVERY day this week and just take care of them.  However, despite the comfort of having the kids home more, I have been heavy in prayer all week for God's healing hand.  As a parent, you never enjoy seeing your child suffer, whether it is a simple cold or a serious illness. 

Today, as I watched the news reports and update on the Connecticut shooting, I was reminded of just how much sickness we have in the world. Saddened, a loss for words, tears streaming,

just a mom reminded of how fragile life can be...

 

Again, I am heavy in prayer for God's healing hand

for our world...full of sickness!

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13

Birthdays are good reminders!

We recently celebrated my husband's 40th birthday.

I surprised him with a great getaway! I could certainly fill you in on the amazing trip we took and the beautiful historic town of Pinehurst not to mention the sweet friends that helped make the trip happen. However, I would much rather share with you what spoke to my heart most as we celebrated.

On Larry's 40th birthday, I think about how he became the man that he is today and I am reminded of how many people have shaped his life. One person in particular comes to mind...

His Mom!

I want to thank her for raising such a Godly man in such an unGodly world! I want to thank her for instilling values and morals that have shaped his character and is in turn shaping her grandchildren. Her investment in his life is bearing much fruit for centuries to come! There are many high callings and missions that God wills for our lives, motherhood is among the top of the list.   I love you Mimi and I am so grateful for you and your heart for the Lord. It shows in your son!

Thank you Pat Bodie! You are truly an amazing woman and a great role model.

I am also reminded of two great men in my husband's life that have challenged and inspired him....

his brothers.

My husband's family has a special place in my heart.

I am so thankful to his family for allowing me to step aside the journey with such an amazing man!

Gifts

Have you ever picked out the perfect gift, maybe for a Christmas or a special holiday?  You are filled with anticipation and joy.  Or better yet, have you ever been surprised with an unexpected and undeserved gift?
Motherhood is one of the most anticipated, joyous and undeserved gifts that we can ever receive!

Think back, some more than others, to the anticipation of your child's birth. This time in your life was filled with preparation for a new beginning, a time of planning, and studying new parent books.  Then the big day arrived when you held your child in your arms for the first time.  From that day forward, there was a new love in your heart that you didn't even imagine, a love that you never knew was possible before.
As each day passes as a mother, I have found my role is ever changing.  My relationship with my children is refined every day. I have days of great joy and great challenges.  Through both, I am able to see great growth in not only my children but also in myself.

Motherhood is such a difficult role to put into words. 

I believe Motherhood is God's greatest example of grace.  By definition, grace means unmerited favor, kindness which bestows upon one what she has not deserved.  I don't know about you but the gift of my children is among the most undeserved gifts I have ever received! 
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.
Psalm 127:3

I did nothing to earn the right to raise two precious lives, yet it was granted to me!  The gift of my children is among the greatest of gifts of loving kindness. 
It is a true reflection of God's love for us-
Refining  For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver Psalm 66:10
 
Filled with joy despite challenge  glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope....God’s love has been poured out into our hearts Romans 5:3-5
 
Building growth in us through it all  Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:14-15
 
Thank you Lord for the gift of my children, for loving me enough to refine me, fill me with joy, and build me up in your great name!