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!