Grasshoppers and Giants

And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them." -Numbers 13:32-33

Have you ever felt like a grasshopper? I mean, have you ever felt like everyone around you was bigger and better than you? I suppose that's how the Israelites were feeling when they were sent to explore the land of Canaan. It was believed back then in their culture that the Nephilim were a race of giants that were created by presumably fallen angels and daughters of men. I have found no biblical evidence of this on my own, but still, I can imagine that the "giant-sized" men were rather intimidating to the Israelites.

There was one man who was bold enough to speak up and think differently though. His name was Caleb.

Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." -Numbers 13:30

Caleb was a man who believed God would do exactly what He promised... give them the land! He was not intimidated by the "appearance" of the people currently living there. Instead, he was confident that with God on their side, they would prevail.

Oh to have that kind of confidence! I myself have walked into situations where I felt rather small. Or perhaps someone just said something to me or about me that made me feel that way. It's times like those that I wish I could have the positive outlook that our friend Caleb had.

The story goes on to say that none of the Israelites that tested God and grumbled and complained against Him would set foot in the promised land. They wandered in the desert for 40 years where their children served as shepherds, suffering for their parent's unfaithfulness. After 40 years, their children were finally allowed to enter in and enjoy the land that their parents rejected. Only Joshua and Caleb survived to inherit the promised land together with their children.

"But because my servant Caleb had a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it." -Numbers 14:24

How certain are you that God keep his promises, no matter how big the obstacles look, and how small you may feel? Are you willing to follow Him wholeheartedly, no matter what? I am! And I want to pass a generational blessing onto my children. I don't want them to suffer for my mistakes the way that the Israelite's children suffered.

Father, change my heart and give me a different spirit, like your servant Caleb. Create in me the kind of confidence that Joshua and Caleb had in You. I want to follow after You wholeheartedly, unafraid of the giants in my life.

In Your Mighty Name,
Amen

Company Girl Coffee 2.27

"A woman is like a teabag- only in hot water do you realize how strong she is." Nancy Reagan

Good morning! Or for some of you, good afternoon! Grab a cup of your favorite tea. I read this quote on my calendar this morning and had to share it. In fact, it is very appropriate for me this week, and this month in general. If you had come by for coffee yesterday, you would have found me tired, frustrated, and not up for company. But today I am singing a different tune! That's what a good night's sleep and a prayerful attitude can do for you. : )

I will spare you the details and instead, share one of my favorite moments this week. Last night after dinner I popped in my son's library video. I was desperate for the kids to settle down and be quiet. Are any of you familiar with the book "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day?" It's one of my favorites. Well, evidently, they made a movie of it! :) Not only that, but they put songs to it!

Picture me, cuddling with my five kiddos, watching this video. It was perfect. For 29 minutes we watched and laughed together as we chanted with Alexander "I'm having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day! I think I'll move to Australia." By the end of the video I was in a much better mood. I didn't even mind so much that I've come down with pink eye, my youngest has the flu, and Mt. Washmore is taking over again. Because some days are just like that...even in Australia.

This week I am trying to spend less time on the computer so I will make my list brief.

1. Rain. Bye, bye snow! Spring is just around the corner!


2. Coupons. I saved BIGTIME this week on groceries.


3. Sweaters. I'm wrapped up in one that's warm and cozy right now.


4. Our dog Max. He is both playful and cuddly.


5. Ken Griffy Jr. is a Mariner again. Yep. I'm thankful for this because it makes my DH happy!


6. Dimples! They're just so cute!


7. Chocolate...I can't get enough of the stuff!


8. My Company Girl tote bag. It came in the mail yesterday.


9. Nap time. It's when my house is quiet.


10. Hot tea. I've been drinking a lot of it since I got this cold.

Strength to Face the Day

By the time I left my house this morning for church, I was very discouraged. Since my DH is on staff at our church, his position requires him to be there early to set up and get ready for service. That leaves it up to me to get the kids ready, pile them into the van, and drive them to church every week. It seems like every Sunday something comes up that makes life rather difficult for me. I have been battling a cold lately so I didn't sleep very well last night. I spent 15 minutes looking for my 2 year old's 2nd shoe. (You'd think I'd get him another pair for such an occasion!) Then BC decided to whine when LR took "his spot" in the van. Finally though, I took a deep breath, crawled into the driver's seat, and backed out of the driveway.

On the way there, I found myself questioning if my heart was right. Was I prepared to go and meet with God in church with my mindset? Why do I always end up with the same grumpy attitude on Sunday mornings? I know that once we are there, it is worth every ounce of effort that it takes to make it. I am always glad that we went.

Today's message was titled "What's it Worth to You?" The real question that the Pastor was getting at was "What is HE worth to you?" We all find time to fit into our lives what we value. One of his points was that each congregation member that showed up today valued God and this church enough to attend this morning. We all carved out time in our day to make it to church. I'm pretty sure that his sermon and its timing were NOT coincidence this morning. It was exactly what I needed to hear.

At the end of service we always sing one more song but this week we sang two. The second song was a familiar one and it started like this:

When we see you, we find strength to face the day.
And in your presence all our fears are washed away.

We sang that over and over again and I began to laugh as I was singing (if that's possible to picture). I get it Lord. I understand what You are trying to tell me. It doesn't matter that I'm going home to the breakfast dishes and unwashed laundry and grocery lists that need to be made. I am in Your presence NOW. That's where I find the strength to face my day ahead. And all of my tomorrows. HE is my strength.

And I left church the opposite of how I left home this morning. I was quite encouraged. Thank goodness the Lord knows just what I need.

Isaiah 12:1-3
In that day you will say:
"I will praise you, O LORD.
Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
and you have comforted me.

Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD is my strength and song;
he has become my salvation."

With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.

Company Girl Coffee 2.20 and My Favorite Things

Come on in! Grab a cup of coffee and make yourself comfortable. I promise I won't sing. I just thought the song was very appropriate for what I want to share today. Rachel Anne's song and post really got me to thinking about my sister and since it's her birthday tomorrow I thought I would have her as my special guest at Company Girl Coffee this week. She is, after all, my original Company Girl!

My sister is my best friend. We are two and a half years apart in age, but the older we get, the more that fades. We are very much alike, but both very unique individuals. That's what makes our bond so special. Like any other close friends, we have our inside jokes, songs that we reminisce to, and favorite things that we share. On that "note" (sorry for the pun...well, no, not really!) I would like to list a few of our "favorite things."

• Movies: The Sound of Music, Singin' in the Rain, White Christmas,The Muppet Movie, Vision Quest, Top Gun, any Lethal Weapon Movie, Grease
• Music: My Favorite Things, Sisters, Chicago, Carpenters, Carly Simon, Beach Boys, pretty much anything 80's!, Friends (Michael W. Smith)
• Foods: Homemade Mac and Cheese! Fried Potatoes and Bacon
• Memories: Roller Barn, Parades, Tulip Festivals, Camping at Deception Pass, Visiting Grandma and Grandpa on the Oregon Coast
• Activities we did together growing up: Girl Scouts, Theta Rho, Wrestling Cheerleaders, Baton (remember that, sis?), Gymnastics
• Flower: Tulips

I could go on and on down memory lane, but we'd run out of coffee! Suffice it to say, I love my sister. She called me up just the other day to tell me that she heard a song that reminded her of me. We roll like that. We could talk on the phone for hours about everything, and nothing. That's what sisters do. I am so lucky to have her. And I can't wait until the next time I get to see her.

Thanks, sis for always being there for me. Even though we are miles apart with mountains between us, you will always and forever remain in my heart, my best friend! I love you! Have a great Birthday! :)

Thank you, Company Girls, for allowing me to share from my heart how special my sister is to me. Glad you came for coffee and I look forward to visiting with you more through out the weekend!

-Melissa

What Can $15.70 Buy?

A Full Pantry! Thanks to Albertson's, and a little help from a friend over at Frugal Chic Living! Today I became a fan of coupons and planned out, bulk buying. Albertson's is running their "buy 10, get $10 off your next order" sale this week. There are over 250 products to choose from. I happen to like soup, so most of my purchases were Progresso. The trick is to complete separate transactions so that your $10 off your next order rolls over into the next group of items. DON'T try doing this at a busy time of day! It will just frustrate you, the clerk, and all the people in line behind you. I went at 9:00am. Here's what I got for my money:

• 26 Cans of Progresso Soup
• 8 Cans of Pillsbury Grands Biscuits
• 6 Boxes of Fruit Snacks
• 7 Cake Mixes
• 3 Tubs of Frosting

Plus I ended my trip with yet another $10 off coupon so really, I've spent $5.70! Now that's what I call a bargain shopping trip! For more details visit Frugal Chic Living. It's worth the time to fill your pantry but not empty your pockets! : )

Didn't I Just Do That Yesterday?

I've been thinking a lot today as I've been crossing things off my "to do" list. Many times throughout my day I find myself asking the question "didn't I just do that yesterday?" The answer to that is most often "yes." Sometimes the answer is "no," but then it's followed by "you just did that 10 minutes ago." I often find myself cleaning up messes only to have one of my children, or even my husband follow behind me making new messes. It's like being in the Twilight Cleaning Zone. You never know what new mess you're going to find when you turn around!

Most days I don't mind. If I catch the mess maker in the act, I will even politely (or sometimes not so politely) ask them to clean it up. Sometimes, though, I leave the mess with the thought "I'll get to that tomorrow." This is where it gets dangerous for me. Tomorrows can really add up if you let them. That's why I have a list, or a routine, that I refer to on a daily basis.

I have heard this list called many things. In fact, I have changed what I call mine several times. It's currently labeled "Cleaning Specifications," (thanks to Katherine, over at Raising Five) and I have one for each room in my house. Whatever you call it, it is a necessary part of life and without it, sanctuary can quickly turn tsunami. The clutter and mess slowly takes over until it becomes just plain overwhelming.

I am determined not to let that happen. I have to confess. I am NOT a neat person by nature. I'll be honest about that. I have to work hard at keeping my home even half way decently clean. I struggle just as much as the next woman with balancing my "to do" list with my "to live" list. That's why I always come back to my basic Cleaning Spec. List. If I can keep up on the basics, I may be able to keep my head above water. I might, on a good day, even get ahead of the game!

Proverbs 31:27 "She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat." (Amplified)

My One Year Post

I just realized that a year and two days ago was when I started this blog! A lot happens in a year, and looking back, I am so thankful for how we have grown as a family and where God has brought us on our journey together. With that in mind, I thought I would make my 10 Things Tuesday post about things that I'm thankful for over the past year.

1. I'm thankful that God has really provided for us financially over the past year. Around this time last year we were sitting in a bankruptcy court because our business had to shut down, and the owners of the building we were leasing decided to sue for the remainder of our five year lease. We had no other options but to file bankruptcy. God is so faithful though, and He provided the means for us to survive through my husband's Realty license.
2. I'm thankful that we didn't lose our home in the bankruptcy. We have a roof over our heads and that's more than I can say for many Americans in this unstable economy.
3. I'm thankful for the time that we have been able to spend together as a family over the last year. I know that at times it felt crazy but as a Realtor my husband set his own hours so we were often able to enjoy the pleasure of his company here at home.
4. I am thankful that it never got so bad that I had to get a job outside the home, but that God provided ways for me to supplement our income through watching a friend's boys. I only had the privilege of watching them for a short time, but they were wonderful and I'd watch them again in a heartbeat!
5. I am thankful for my growing children. Only one child left to potty train! We've had lots of new stages here at our house. BC started Kindergarten. RL and JS have both lost teeth. Kids have learned to swim, and oh, talk!!! It's been so fun to listen to CD come up with more and more words every day! We also finally put him in a toddler bed. LR (4) is already reading some words and writing her name. They are growing up so fast!
6. I am thankful that in His perfect timing God brought worship leading back into my husband's life. He started at the Airforce Base Chapel as the worship leader. Although this wasn't his ideal job, it sufficed to get him doing what he loves again. It was a perfect transition for what was to come.
7. I am so very thankful that God led us to Mirabeau Chapel. There were actually two jobs that we were looking at, but God clearly closed the one door and paved the way for my DH to go back to full time ministry. The road was rough and the journey long, but there was much to be learned along the way. I thank God for where he has brought my DH to today. He is clearly where he belongs.
8. I am thankful for lifelong friends. During our journey, we have had the support of close friends by our side. They have shared our pain, and walked with us through a difficult season. Many have prayed for us and I cannot express how thankful I am for this. And for their loyalty. And for their patience. And for their understanding. But mostly for their prayers.
9. I am thankful for new friends. I have made many encouraging friends since I started this blog. Some are mothers, some are grandmothers, some are just beginning their journey in marriage. I am thankful for them all. I have treasured their encouraging words and look forward to getting to know them better. I am also thankful for the friends I have already made at our new church and how they have tried to make our transition as easy as possible. Baskets, cards, and warm words of welcome have helped our family feel at home.
10. I couldn't go without giving thanks to our extended family also for the support they have been to us in the past year. Parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents...they have all stood by our side as we walked through a tough time. We couldn't have made it through this past year without their listening ears, helpful advice and generous giving. We are so lucky to have such loving family surrounding us!

I have really enjoyed blogging my thoughts this past year. It started out as a place to record what matters to this family but it has become so much more. Thanks for sharing the journey! I look forward to sharing what God brings our way in the year to come.

"We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds." Psalm 75:1

13th Folder, 3rd Picture

I love it when one of these random picture challenges comes up because I get to look back at some of my old photos. In this photo, my oldest child RL is about 2 1/2 years old.







She is now 7 1/2. I thought I'd add a recent picture just for effect! :)

There Was a Note Attached

I just have to brag on my dear husband for a minute! When we were first married, I used to wish and pray that the man would buy me flowers every once in a while, but then eventually I resigned to the fact that he's just not a flowers man. We have now been married for 14 years and I love his quirky ways of showing his love for me. Every once in a while, he just goes over the top and catches me off guard. This Valentine's Day was one of those times.

It's been a rough two weeks around here. He's been gone a lot so I've been taking care of the kiddos even more so than usual. On Thursday when he got home from work I told him that if I didn't get some time away from my children (whom I love dearly) I was going to climb up the walls. Even though he had just worked a 9 hour day, he lovingly looked at me and said "go." He told me to go have some coffee or find a quiet place to read a book for a couple of hours. Reluctantly I gathered my things and headed out the door. I hadn't even fed the kids yet. I felt guilty, but I knew I needed the time away, and he knew it too.

When I got home I felt renewed and I had the urge to really show my husband how much it meant to me to get away for a while. One back massage did the trick! I know I have said this before, but when we take care of ourselves as women, wives, and mothers, we are more apt to want to serve the ones we love. I am so glad that I have a husband that encourages me to do just that!

That's not where my admiration ends for him though. The next day I was getting into the van to go and get BC from Kindergarten, and a delivery came. It was addressed to me! I was already running late so I stuck them in the van and took off for the school. When I got home I opened the box. It was tulips...in beautiful Spring colors! Talk about making my day! That would have been enough, but there was also a note attached. It read:

For Melissa-
Thank you for being a great wife and mom.
We all love you very much.
Happy Valentines Day!

Tears welled up in my eyes as I read the note. My heart rejoices when I think about how lucky I am to have such a loving family. We spent the day yesterday as a family, doing a little of everything and a lot of nothing but being together. What a great way to spend Valentines Day!

Oh, I almost forgot! There were chocolates with the flowers and card too. I guess they just seemed to fade away into the background with the sentiment of the card. :)

I love my family!

Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 2.15.09

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the Rock eternal." -Isaiah 26:3-4

I am going to continue with my theme of trust this month. This is a verse that I have always turned to when I need to be reminded who to put my trust in, but have never quite memorized it. I love how it repeats the Lord's name twice at the end. Repeating His name twice just drives home the importance of placing my trust in Him. The Lord, The Lord is the Rock eternal! No one deserves my trust more than Him. I want to trust Him to the core of my being. I want perfect peace! So every time my mind begins to wander, when I begin to think negative thoughts, or when I start down the slippery slope of distrust, I will meditate on this verse.

Perfect peace. Steadfast mind. Trust in the Lord. He is the Rock eternal. Amen!

He Sustains Me

(Scroll down for Company Girl Coffee.)
I am 35 years old, and I am starting to gray. Sometimes when I look in the mirror it makes me feel rather old to see gray hair sprouting out here and there. I really can't afford to dye my hair every month so there they are, sticking out like a sore thumb! I am trying to have a sense of humor about it though. After all, I do have 5 children! I can blame it on them, right?

Today I remembered a verse in the bible that talks about gray hair. It was rather comforting to read these words... "Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life." -Proverbs 16:31

When I was looking up the word "gray" in my concordance, I also found another comforting verse. "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." -Isaiah 46:4

The words "sustain" and "carry" in the Hebrew have a very similar definition meaning "to lift up, carry, take, sustain, or support." The Hebrew word for "rescue" is deliver, or save.

Now, I don't consider myself "old" yet, but it is very comforting to know that as the years go by, and change takes place and this body begins to age, there is one thing that remains the same. The God who made me will sustain me...even carry me when I need Him most. He is the great I AM. Never changing, ever present. For this, I am eternally grateful.

How has He sustained you lately?

Company Girl Coffee 2.13 - A Sticky Situation!

The first thing I thought of when I read Rachel Anne's post on "Sticky", was the song from Friends "Sticky Shoes." It cracks me up every time I hear it. I do happen to have a couple pair of shoes with something "sticky" on the bottom of them waiting to be cleaned...but that's not what I did for yesterday's points. That wouldn't qualify me for the silly points. And I LOVE being silly with my kids and getting points while doing it! So we had to come up with something fun to do yesterday together.

My three oldest kids have Valentine's Parties at school today so we decided to make Valentines together. They also all came home with suckers...which are sticky all by themselves...but I won't go there! Anyway, we worked on cards for each of their classmates and so that my youngest two didn't feel left out, they got a package of Valentines also, which came with...you guessed it, stickers!

Now my kids seem to be going through this phase where they put stickers all over their bodies. Anyone been there??? The other day when they were ready to go to school I happened to glance over and they each had at least a half a dozen stickers on their hands. I find stickers in their beds and other places that stickers definitely do not belong. It frustrates me beyond belief to find them in my washer/dryer because they didn't get removed before being put in the laundry basket.

I have to say though, a two year old covered in stickers, is pretty silly! I wish I would have taken pictures. You'll just have to use your imagination. It was funny enough to make my anger melt away and have a good laugh instead. I'm sure you've had moments like that. I'm so glad I was able to maintain self control, enjoy the moment, and laugh with all my kids. Laughing managed to get me out of a very "sticky" situation!

"A fool gives vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." -Proverbs 29:11

10 Things Tuesday...TRUST!

I'm so glad it's Tuesday! This week I want to focus on TRUST in my thankful list. God is really doing a work in my life right now and I am thankful that He is teaching me how to really trust Him in everything. It has been a very repetitive theme for me so I thought I would share.

1. I am thankful that God uses His scripture to speak to me and show me the many reasons I can trust Him.

2. I am thankful that I can trust God with every area of my life.
Psalm 31:14-15a "But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hands;" (Home Sanctuary Scripture of the Month)

3. I am thankful that when I trust in Him He puts a song in my heart.
Psalm 28:7 "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."

4, 5, and 6. I am thankful that when I trust in Him He gives me hope, peace, and joy.
Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (My own scripture memory verse for Feb.1-15)

7. I am thankful that I can trust Him to direct my path.
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths." (Amplified)

8. I am thankful that I can trust Him to provide for our family.
Psalm 23:1 "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want."

9. I am thankful that I can trust Him with the lives of my children.
Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

10. I am thankful that even when I walk through trials, I can trust Him to be by my side.
Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

If you have the time, I recommend watching Beth Moore on Life today. I watched her series on Trust, and it really challenged me. You can find it in the archives here. It's called "Who Do You Trust?" Just scroll down until you find the right title.

I'll leave you with one more verse today. It's one of my favorites. Perhaps it will be my memory verse for the second half of February! : )

Isaiah 26:3-4
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal."

Company Girl Coffee 2.6

Welcome! Sorry for you coffee lovers this morning...I'm serving tea. I'm having a procedure done on my ankle this morning and one of the instructions was to have only clear liquids after midnight. I am having a "Nevus" removed today. I had a mole removed back in August and it came back with some rather shady results so they wanted to go back in and take out another 5mm border. My dermatologist called it a "mole gone bad." It's not skin cancer, but they wanted to be sure to get it all out before it gets to that stage. All that to say, I learned an important lesson. I will be watching my moles for change, and be mindful of new moles. And I will be having an over all skin check up once a year now, just like my annual physical. I'll let you know how the procedure goes.

Let's see...on to feeling like a woman! I am on board with that! My husband bought me a special manicure kit for Christmas. I'm not a big nail polish fan, but boy does this buffer make my nails shine! No application necessary! Then I finish it up with some very luxurious hand lotion made with ingredients from the dead sea. That's exactly what I intend to do when I get home from the hospital today. : ) Flirty is fun too, though I'll have to wait and see how I feel for the outrageous!

Well, I need to get on with my morning. Thanks for stopping by this week. I'll be seeing you! Have a blessed weekend!

-Melissa

UPDATE: The procedure went off without a hitch and now I will be the proud owner of an inch long scar. I have two layers of dissolvable stitches. I talked with the doctor about his vacation the entire time he was working on my ankle and watched most of it. Thanks for your prayers!

I Am Thankful...

I think it's about time for another 10 things Tuesday list. I haven't seen X-Box Wife this week yet, but that doesn't mean I can't choose to be thankful! :)

1. I am thankful for peace and quiet. I am sitting here in my living room listening to worship music and enjoying an empty house. This doesn't happen very often. Usually even when kids are at school, I have two extras at home with me. My DH took a trip out to Walla Walla and with him he took my two youngest children. The result is that I get two whole hours all to myself! You would think I would spend that cleaning and getting things done, but not today. I'm just taking a mini retreat, sipping my latte, and being thankful.
2. I am thankful that my DH is only gone for one day. I missed both him and the kids last night. I look forward to seeing them and getting hugs all around when they get home tonight. It's good to miss them, and it's good to be missed, but I will be thankful when they get home.
3. I am thankful that my brother in law is willing to let us use his car while he is gone over seas this year. That's what my DH is in Walla Walla to do...pick up the car. I am also thankful for my sister in law who took her one day off this week to travel there so we could pick up the car.
4. I am thankful for the new furnace that is on it's way this week. Ours has a crack in it and needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Not only did God provide the means for that, He also provided someone in our church to install it, saving us about $800.
5. I am thankful for our health. RH seems to have gotten over her Strep. Looking back, we made it through most of January without any illnesses. I pray the same for February.
6. I am thankful for extended family both on my side and my husband's side. We could not make it in this economy if it weren't for our loving family. Be it food, a little extra money, or supplies for the household, our families have really pitched in to help us during hard times. Most recently, I am thankful for my DH's Grandma, who sent a very sweet letter along with some money. Her example of how important family is has been such a blessing to me over the years.
7. I am thankful that my own grandma is recovering from her fall in a home where she is being taken care of by a skilled nurse. She hurt her knee and her ribs when she fell. She's 95 years old, lives in her own place, and amazes me at how active she still is. (Actually, she's where I get my stubborn "I want to do it all myself'" attitude from!) I am thankful that her kids were around to help take care of her when she fell.
8. I am thankful that we have the room in our home to extend the invitation for a friend at church to live here for a while. I love having the capability to offer up our home to meet his need. We have done it in the past for family and friends and this is no different. I love the chance to practice hospitality!
9. I am thankful that the sun is shining bright again today...even though they say the groundhog saw his shadow yesterday!
10. I am ever so thankful for God's Word. I am reading through the bible chronologically this year. It reads more like a story this way and I'm seeing new things that I never noticed before. I am also memorizing two verses a month and that has already had a huge effect on my thought life and attitude.

Well, I hope X-BOX Wife is doing well, my prayers are with her. I am very glad I stumbled upon her blog because she reminded me that there is always something to be thankful for. What kinds of things are you thankful for this week?

Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 2.1.09

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

This is the verse that I have chosen to memorize for the first half of February.
The things in this verse that I will be focusing on as I commit it to memory are:

1. God is my source of joy, hope and peace.
2. I will overflow with hope, joy and peace as I put my trust in Him!
3. When I pray this scripture, I will pray "Living God of hope, fill me with all joy and peace by the power of the Holy Spirit, as I trust in You."

If you would like to join me and thousands of other women memorizing scripture together in 2009, then you can join the Siesta Scripture Memory Team too! It's never too late to start memorizing God's Word! : )